(200 residents attended a rezoning meeting recently to request some of this property be left as parkland. Please read on for an update.)
On July 8, 2019 the City of Langford Planning, Zoning and Affordable Housing Committee moved to proceed with comprehensive residential development on 804 Latoria Road & 950 Worrall Drive; a 73 acre parcel of mature forest, Garry Oak meadows, and riparian areas.
The properties in question are flagged by the federal government and the CRD for containing critical habitats for the endangered Sharp-tailed Snake, endangered Western Painted Turtle, and Northern Red-legged Frogs (Special Concern).
The area is also rich in biodiversity and is home to many species reported by neighbouring residents and biologists including: Northern Pygmy Owl, Great Horned Owl, Bald Eagle, Turkey Vulture, Red Tailed Hawk, California Quail, Pileated Woodpecker, Black-tailed Deer, Black Bear, and Cougar to name a few.
The current development proposal commits only 30% of the parcel to greenspace, most of which will be made up of recreational playing fields. It also aims to reduce the minimum riparian setback from 43 metres to just 15.
Furthermore, there is no provision to protect any trees on the property outside of the riparian setbacks. The developer hired a biologist to complete a snapshot assessment of the property in May 2017, which confirmed several of the species listed above, but, given the size of the parcel and the critical habitat that has been flagged, a much more thorough assessment is needed.
In January of 2018 a group of concerned neighbours/citizens joined together when the property was first threatened by development, since then the group has evolved into the Citizens of South Langford for Sustainable Development (CSLSD). A survey of local residents indicates that over 80% are seeking to see this forest protected and that a large natural park needs to be created to protect this area of rich biodiversity.
The planning and zoning committee meeting on July 8th heard from over 200 concerned residents, the vast majority opposed to many aspects of the proposal. Many residents spoke passionately about their concerns and the need to preserve more green space and have a large contiguous natural park space for all to enjoy. Despite the overwhelming amount of evidence presented, conflicts with the Official Community Plan (OCP), and public concern, the committee moved forward with the proposal.
Langford is known as Canada’s fastest growing city, this is mainly due to its development process that allows very little time between application and development approval, and very little public notification and input.
The CSLSD supports development; It is necessary as our population grows and the need for true affordable housing increases. However, development can be done in a conscientious manner that protects the environment, preserves green spaces, and balances the needs of the community.
We are concerned that if the government does not conduct its own independent assessment in the immediate future, the property will be clear-cut before any conservation efforts for these rare and endangered species can be made.
To find out more please visit our website at www.cslsd.ca
If you would like to help, please email at cslsd.info@gmail.com
Sign our petition at https://www.change.org/p/city-of-langford-we-can-do-better-rezoning-in-south-langford
We are grateful for any support.