Opposition to Bylaw 250, 254 & 255
I am opposed to Bylaw 250, 254 and 255 until such time as the Denman Island Local Trust Committee has completed a Growth Limits Study to determine how many people our island can support and still protect the values for which the Islands Trust was created. The initial first step would be to conduct a Build-out Study to determine how many homes (or residences) are now allowed on Denman under current zoning. This includes lots that are not yet built on and properties that are zoned to be divided. Multiplying the number of allowed residences by the capacity of each dwelling will provide an estimate of the likely number of people to be living here when all lots are developed.
Although, determining when a population is “too many” for a given area is not defined by a fixed number, but rather by the carrying capacity—the point at which the environment can no longer sustainably support the population with necessary resources (food, water, energy) and infrastructure.
Even though the increase from residential units at this R4 zoned property is only 4, the proposed increases in floor area, outbuildings and the permitting of secondary suites in all residential units could have a huge impact on the number of total occupants. More occupants equals more resources needed and even though the impact is lessened by rainwater catchment, composting toilets etc. there is always a negative carbon footprint created, resulting in loss of biodiversity, and deforestation.
The rural aspect of island geography is a valued and integral part of the islands’ life and communities which also helps to protect the rare and fragile ecosystems found on the gulf islands, which are
becoming all the more valuable as development pressures eradicate similar ecosystems in surrounding areas on the mainland and Vancouver Island. Local infrastructure such as our parks, roads, schools, community halls, garbage collection, recycling center, medical clinic, fire and rescue service and ambulance are all at risk of becoming overtaxed if we don’t heed our carrying capacity.
Bill 44 requires all municipalities to update zoning bylaws putting pressure on our nearby communities that we rely on for hospitals, police, ferries, colleges, universities, transit etc. Based on recent data, infrastructure in British Columbia is not currently adequate to handle the rapid population growth, resulting in a significant, recognized infrastructure deficit.
For our LTC to rubber stamp these significant changes for 5201 Denman Road sets a precedent and could potentially mean that other land cooperatives, cluster housing etc. would also receive the same approval, but without knowing Denman’s Carrying Capacity, we’re setting ourselves up for failure.
It’s hard to “preserve and protect” once you’ve opened the flood gates!
Edina Johnston
5271 Chrisman Rd.
Denman Island, BC
