Dear Editor,
I understand that the Provincial government has enacted legislation (Bill 44), which requires all local governing bodies to update their planning to meet projected housing needs for the next 20 years.
I was alarmed to hear about some of the recent proposals put forward in response to these requirements; those that have been suggested for inclusion into the 2025 Official Community Plan of Comox Town.
The Future Land Use Designations and Zoning changes thus proposed include 12 Story building in the Harbour and Marina area, as well as NINE, SIX and FOUR Story residential areas, also potentially close to the waterfront.
I am totally opposed to allowing high rise buildings (six, nine or 12 story units) to obstruct the skyline and interrupt views from the south facing slopes of the town of Comox.
I regard our scenic views as a precious resource that needs protecting forever, so that present and future generations can continue to enjoy what may become an increasingly rare phenomenon as populations grow.
The construction of the Harbour Centre building at the foot of Church Street should serve as a warning to us all; how easy it is to squander opportunities to create enhanced access to the waterfront.
Hard to believe that we, the citizens, were asked a few years ago for our ideas on how to improve such access, and that permission to build in a prime location like that was approved, when that open space below Church Street presented such an opportunity.
Are we allowing developers and profiteers to shape our policies, I wonder?
What vested interests are at work inside our local government?
Keep all tall buildings off of our slopes. Keep the waterfront accessible and open to sea and sky.
We have a precious resource, let鈥檚 protect it, and if anything, enhance it.
I hope that our council members can hold such a vision close to their hearts, and use it as a guiding principle in the choices they must make for the future of Comox by the Sea (and Sky).
Phil Missellbrook
Comox
