Today’s update looks at the density of this proposed development and compares it to other Canadian CITIES where there is a similar density profile. 

Sometimes it is hard to imagine and compare to other areas. I know it is hard for me. I do think that the Aragon produced image, as shown above, CLEARLY illustrates the general monstrosity of the development. I think most of us can obviously see that.

But let’s compare this development, and see if we can put this into more perspective. 

So, what about other Village’s density (Saanich actually calls Cordova Bay a “village” as evident in the last Cordova Bay Local Area Plan published on May 7, 2024) in Canada, as compared to this kind of density?

Answer, there are NONE!

So, how about other towns in Canada compared to this kind of density?

The answer is STILL None!

So, what other CITIES, in Canada, as compared to this Aragon development?

Well, there are quite a few actually.

The density of the proposed Aragon development at the Trio Gravel Pit site equals 1165 units, divided by 26 acres, which is 44.88 units per acre. Please take a look at the following Canadian cities that have even LESS density than the Aragon development at the Trio Gravel Pit site.

Summary of Units per Acre for Comparison:

Toronto: 4.25 units/acre
Montreal: 18.85 units/acre
Calgary: 6.07 units/acre
Ottawa: 1.35 units/acre
Edmonton: 5.51 units/acre
Winnipeg: 5.78 units/acre
Vancouver: 22.22 units/acre
 

So, the PROPOSED DENSITY of 44.88 units per acre at the Trio Gravel Pit site is much higher than the densities in ALL of these Canadian cities!!  Read that again to let that sink in. It really is alarming!

This suggests a much more compact or densely developed area compared to the typical urban populations in these Canadian cities.

So, we need to ask OUR Decision Makers, how ANY of this makes sense!  How is this even being considered? Can the Mayor and Saanich Council HONESTLY tell us that this makes sense? 

I have been meeting with an independent city planner lately, to discuss this development, and to get a feel for the reality of it all. It has been very informative.

Later this week, I will update you on the TRAFFIC numbers that 1165 units will undoubtedly create.  This will be WELL ABOVE and BEYOND what we are NOW dealing with. It is pretty scary, so please look out for the update.

Please continue to keep active on this! Tell your neighbors. Contact the Mayor and Council. Don’t be afraid to let them know about this VERY questionable OVER development, because it is!! YOUR opinion, no matter who you are, is SO important, and collectively we STILL have POWER! 

It comes down to simple common sense on this one, and the pictures and numbers MORE than back it up. To tell us that this OVER DEVELOPMENT is right for this location, is simply NOT correct. We need to hold our Mayor and Council accountable for this.  Seriously! WE ARE NOT IN THE WRONG HERE, NOT BY ANY STRETCH.

I continue to believe that this community is so very special, and it is SO WORTHY of fighting for. 

Thanks to everyone in Cordova Bay for your support!

Thanks too for putting up with my many diction and spelling mistakes, among other things! I appreciate your compassion :). 

Dan Horth