Development
Plans |
 |
|
The
Vantreight Proposal
We
are proposing a mixed-use housing development,
featuring 31 single-family homes, 92 townhomes, and
141 condominiums. The proposed development is planned on
land that is neither farmable nor in the Agricultural
Land Reserve (ALR). Net
Revenue generated from the development of this land will
be invested
back into Vantreight Farms, which grows 18 million daffodils a
year, and generates over 1500 jobs annually. This proposed
development is
essential for Vantreight Farms to expand its operations
and to continue farming
on the Saanich Peninsula , a tradition that has spanned
five generations.
Central
Saanich is currently reviewing its Official
Community Plan (O.C.P.). It
is this type of concentrated density, “green field” development
that needs to be
taken into consideration as fiscal and population pressures
affect the region. In
addition, serviceable, vacant land is almost exhausted
within the current urban containment
boundary. This proposed development is readily serviceable
and will provide
the additional land needed to address the current shortage
of developable
land within the existing urban containment boundary.
A
higher density, mixed-use residential community will:
- Add
approximately 16 acres of parkland to the local area
(as opposed to non-public greenspace created by the development
of single family homes on larger lots);
- Allow
for the use of sustainable building techniques, such
as LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design)
standards for all buildings, to help create a sustainable
community;
- Provide
a greater tax base for the municipality, generating an
additional $1 million a year in general property tax
revenue;
- Allow
for local projects, like affordable housing, upgrades
to Newman Park and Fire and Police facilities, to receive
needed cash injections;
- Provide
needed population growth for local, struggling businesses
in the Saanichton village area;
- Offset
transportation issues by working with local transit authorities
to provide access to public transit;
- Preserve
more ALR land as actively farmed land; (One of the goals
of the project is to expand the Vantreight Farms holdings
of farmland. This will help ensure proper crop rotation
and the long-term viability of the farm.)
- Provide
a walking and cycling pathway connection from the proposed
development to the Saanichton village area;
- Upgrade
water capacity pressure and distribution to this quadrant
of the municipality; (In the case of the Vantreight lands,
sewer and water services are readily available and the
Vantreights will absorb all of the site servicing costs.)
- Provide
an exciting diversity of housing choices, which will
provide many residents with the opportunity to “age
in place”, as their housing
requirement needs change.
Development
Plans
(Click image for PDF version)
|
