The attached document is a formal response to District of Saanich from the Cordova Bay Association for Community Affairs to a development application by Aragon Properties, expressing objections based on community fit, infrastructure deficits, and environmental concerns. ​

The full response is attached here below with background info on CBACA’s website at -

 Cordova Bay Association Opposes Aragon’s Gravel Pit Development Proposal

Brief Summary of Response to District of Saanich

Objection to Proposed Development

• The Cordova Bay Association for Community Affairs (CBACA) objects to the Aragon development due to its size, scale, and density, which do not align with the semi-rural, seaside character of Cordova Bay. ​
• The proposed development includes 1,160 units, potentially increasing the population by 2,500 to 3,000 residents, raising concerns about traffic, infrastructure, and community amenities. ​
• CBACA supports sustainable development that fits the community's character and enhances local amenities, but the current proposal does not meet these criteria.

Community Context and Development Concerns

• Cordova Bay features a mix of suburban and rural land, with a population of over 8,100, known for its natural beauty and village character. ​
• The Local Area Plan (LAP) emphasizes the need for a strong village atmosphere, diverse housing, improved walkability, and minimal traffic impact. ​
• The proposed Aragon development, with 29 buildings including heights of 10 to 11 storeys, is deemed out of scale and character for the area, lacking adequate green space and community gathering areas.

Transportation and Traffic Issues

• The existing transportation network is inadequate to handle the expected increase in traffic from the proposed development. ​
• Adjacent residential streets are narrow and not designed for urban traffic levels, lacking necessary pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. ​
• The anticipated increase in vehicle traffic will exacerbate congestion, particularly at already problematic intersections, and the community lacks timely infrastructure improvements. ​

Parks and Community Space Deficits ​

• Current park facilities in Cordova Bay are insufficient to accommodate the increased population from the Aragon development. ​
• The two small parks proposed within the development do not meet the community's needs for recreational space, leading to potential overuse of existing parks. ​
• There is no area-specific park plan to address the anticipated demand for park space and facilities.

Community Amenities and Services Shortcomings

• The proposed development includes limited commercial space, which is not sufficient to meet the needs of the increased population.
• Cordova Bay lacks essential amenities such as a full-service grocery store, health clinic, and recreation center, necessitating travel to other areas for basic services
• ​The development's location on the northern edge of the village means residents will face challenges accessing existing amenities. ​

Conclusion

• The CBACA emphasizes that the proposed Aragon development does not align with the vision outlined in the Saanich Official Community Plan and the Cordova Bay LAP. ​
• The scale and density of the development will strain existing infrastructure and services, which are already inadequate.
• The association calls for a reconsideration of the application, advocating for a development that better integrates with the community and addresses existing deficits in infrastructure, amenities, and services.

We would like to thank the Cordova Bay Association for Community Affairs for their strong advocacy as we stand together as a united community to protect our neighborhood!

Please continue to let your neighbors know about this development, this petition, as well as the CBACA website, and we encourage you all to contact Mayor Dean Murdock and the Saanich Councilors with your own opinions and thoughts.

It ALL matters.

Thank you!

Want to get hold of us?

Our Cordova Bay Community and Cordova Bay Petition email is  – cordovabayvoices@gmail.com

Best Regards,

Dan Horth

‘Its not up to each of us to do everything…it’s up to all of us to do something’