North Cowichan has scheduled a public hearing for Wednesday, May 21, at 7 p.m. to receive input on proposed amendments to the Official Community Plan and zoning for a Chemainus property. The land, located at the corner of Henry Road and the Trans-Canada Highway, is the subject of a commercial development application from the property owner, Jerry Doman.
The meeting will take place in the council chamber and by video conference.
Council will consider Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 3976 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3977.
The Community Plan Amendment Bylaw proposes to redesignate 3036 Juniper Rd., 3037 Henry Rd. and 3041 Henry Rd. from Industrial and Employment to Commercial.
The Zoning Amendment Bylaw proposes to reclassify 9337 Trans-Canada Hwy. from Industrial Heavy to Commercial General Zone, and to reclassify the Juniper and Henry Road properties from Residential Rural to Commercial General Zone.
Doman has applied to council for approval to build a commercial development on the site, which would consist of a gas station, convenience store, two drive-through restaurants and unspecified commercial units.
The proposal has drawn concern from both planning staff and some members of the public.
Staff recommended denying the application, citing inconsistencies with the OCP, which discourages auto-oriented development like drive-throughs due to visual and environmental impacts.
Despite the staff recommendation, council voted to proceed with first and second readings. A public hearing, as required under the Local Government Act, must now take place before third reading can proceed.
The public notice and bylaws can be viewed at https://loom.ly/WdvjQfw
Community members are invited to be heard or to present written submissions to council.
To participate electronically, visit www.northcowichan.ca/virtualmeeting for instructions. The meeting can be streamed live via www.northcowichan.ca/Agendas. A recording will be made available after the meeting on North Cowichan's website for on-demand viewing.
Anyone wishing to submit comments in writing on the proposed bylaw may do so in advance of the public hearing by emailing publicmeetings@northcowichan.ca or by mailing or delivering them by hand to municipal hall.
