Please find the letter below that our petition group just sent Mayor Murdock, Saanich Council and Saanich Planning.

Dear Mayor Murdock,

I am writing on behalf of a group of concerned Cordova Bay residents who have launched a community petition in response to Aragon’s proposed development at the former Trio Gravel Pit site. Aragon presented its latest plan at a community meeting held at Cordova Bay School in November 2024, which included an increase in the number of units from the previously stated 335 to 1,165. This significant increase in density has raised considerable concern among residents.

Following the meeting, it became apparent that very few community members were aware of the scope of this proposed change. This lack of transparency and engagement prompted us to act swiftly, launching a petition to ensure the voices of Cordova Bay residents are heard prior to any formal approval process.

We are a large and active group of residents who oppose this development as currently proposed, and as of today, we have collected 1,566 signatures. Our goal is not to oppose development entirely, but to advocate for responsible, area-appropriate change that respects the character of our community. We are continuing to collect names and keep our community members informed about this overdevelopment.

Outlined below are our primary concerns, which we respectfully ask you to address before proceeding with approval for this project:

·         Traffic and Road Safety: The proposed density could introduce over 1,500 new vehicles and more than 7,000 additional daily car trips. The current road infrastructure is inadequate for this volume and raises serious safety and traffic flow concerns. How is this going to be addressed?

·         Over-Densification: The proposal includes 12 high-rise buildings and 25 townhouses that do not align with the semi-rural, forested character of Cordova Bay. A project of this scale is incompatible with the area’s established residential fabric. Does Saanich not see this extreme over to top densification as a problem? Our community certainly does. 

·         Non-Market Housing Management: Would the District of Saanich please identify what specific type of housing will be included in this component and who will operate, oversee and provide support for residents of this housing?

·         Public Services & Infrastructure: It is unclear whether local emergency services, schools, utilities, and healthcare infrastructure can accommodate this growth. What planned upgrades or expansion does Saanich have to provide appropriate levels of these services for any new developments?

·         School Capacity: Local schools are currently not equipped to handle the anticipated increase in enrollment from a development of this size. Does Saanich have plans for additional educational facilities?

·         Community Amenities: Does Saanich have a plan for essential community infrastructure (e.g., recreation centres, meeting spaces), which are vital to supporting an expanded population of this magnitude?

·         Geotechnical Stability: The Trio site is known for liquefaction risks. Independent comprehensive studies and mitigation strategies are critical to ensuring the long-term safety at this site. What comprehensive studies will the District of Saanich conduct prior to approving the Aragon development? What mitigation strategies will be implemented to ensure long-term safety and avoid lawsuits at Saanich taxpayers’ expense?

Additionally, the proposed density of 44.88 units per acre is significantly higher than in many major Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. This level of urban intensity is not suitable for Cordova Bay, which you know, is known for its natural beauty, tranquility, and community-oriented lifestyle. We have also attached a graphic from Aragon’s presentation last November depicting the completed development. 

The projected 2,900+ new residents would also result in a population greater than entire towns such as Port McNeill or Tofino, all within a confined 26-acre area. A 20–25-year construction timeline also raises serious concerns about long-term disruption, environmental impact, and overall livability during such an extensive build-out phase.

We recognize that Aragon is a business, and that housing supply is a regional issue. However, it is vital to strike a balance between development and preservation. We are simply asking for thoughtful, proportionate planning that serves both future residents and the existing community.

We request that Saanich collaborate with both Aragon and Cordova Bay residents to create a development at the Trio Lands that meets housing needs without sacrificing the character and livability of Cordova Bay.

For reference, our petition can be accessed here: https://chng.it/bkgyJLQbbD

We suggest you review both the body of the petition and the numerous updates to support our concerns regarding this development.

Our intent with this initial communication is simply to ensure you are aware of the concerns of Cordova Bay residents, as it is undoubtedly the largest and densest project ever proposed in Cordova Bay.

We very much appreciate your attention to our concerns regarding the Aragon development at the Trio Gravel Pit and look forward to hearing how Saanich and Aragon intend to move forward with a more community-oriented approach.

Sincerely,

Dan Horth

On behalf of the Cordova Bay Petition Group

Will of course keep you all updated with any responses from Saanich. Thank you!