Aragon has now officially submitted applications for both a rezoning and development permit for the gravel pit property at 755 Cordova Bay Road. At this time, the application has not yet been uploaded to Saanich’s Development Tracker. Andrea Pickard from Planning has confirmed it may take a few days before the submission becomes publicly available. Will let you all know when this is done.
Please find the basic application details below on Saanich’ s website
There are currently TWO applications from Aragon.
One for Rezoning – Application Number REZ00798 – Dated July 22, 2025, and
A Development Permit - Application Number DPR01092 - Dated July 22, 2025
Purpose for BOTH applications is the same and is as follows:
TO REZONE FROM M-2, P-4 AND RM-3T TO A COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT ZONE FOR A MULTI-PHASED COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT WITH A MIX OF LOW-RISE TOWNHOUSES AND ROW HOUSES AND MID-RISE MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS WITH COMMERCIAL RETAIL, OFFICE AND DAYCARE USES.
So, what does this mean exactly?
The zoning application is for “A Comprehensive Development (CD) zone”, and is a tailored zoning framework for large, multi-phased development projects that require flexibility beyond standard zoning regulations. These zones are created when a mix of land uses or unique development characteristics don't fit neatly into existing zones. A Master Development Plan (MDP) is typically used within a CD zone to guide the phased development of the site, ensuring alignment with the Official Community Plan (OCP) and providing a framework for future development permits.
This is somewhat different than what was presented by Aragon at Cordova Bay School last November, but again, the submission details will emerge very soon.
Why this development application purpose explanation may be risky for us here in Cordova Bay.
The application explanation as shown above uses vague terms like “multi-phased” and “mix of uses” without clear details on size, design, or impacts. It lacks firm guidelines on architecture, traffic, and setbacks. The phased timeline allows changes or delays, and promised uses (like daycare) could be replaced with more disruptive ones. With little community input or binding commitments, profits may be prioritized over local needs.
Without clear rules and accountability, the development could evolve in ways that don't serve our community’s best interests.
We will dive into the details after the submission becomes publicly available.
Once we get further detail, hopefully by next week, we are going to send the results of this petition, to date, to Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock as well as the entire councilor team. Since the development has now been formally submitted, engagement can begin with Saanich. I encourage everyone to contact Saanich with your concerns and questions about this upcoming development as this affects us all.
Our petition has now reached just over 1900 signatures! That is amazing. Thank you so very much, but it looks like we are just getting started here.
The expectation of this petition is for the community of Cordova Bay to be given the chance for a full public consultation, including detailed plans (heights, uses, densities), binding phasing agreements and the establishment of strict zoning conditions that prevent unauthorized changes.
Please continue to spread the word about this development to your friends and neighbors, EVERY one of our voice’s counts! This is OUR community.
Thanks,
Dan