At a special meeting of Sechelt council on Tuesday, the Trails development passed third reading by a narrow margin.
Coun. Warren Allan asked the developers to consider donating two lots to Sechelt for Habitat for Humanity and expressed concern about the lack of playgrounds.
He added that he felt West Acorn Road should be developed considerably sooner than planned.
Coun. Darren Inkster also felt some provisions should be made for a playground and asked the developers if they would listen to the community with regard to the traffic issues and access to the new development.
Coun. Keith Thirkell asked if the upgrades to West Acorn Road could be sped up and he too asked if the developers would be responsible members of the community and respect the community wishes. Allan, Inkster and Thirkell were opposed to second and third readings being passed.
Coun. Michael Shanks stated that he feels much has been done to reduce the traffic problems. Mayor Cam Reid said he too believes the plans have come a long way in addressing the traffic concerns. Coun. Barry Poole said he was pleased to see the upgrade of Norwest Bay Road taking place early due to safety concerns around the public school and he welcomes this type of developer and development.
The developers have agreed to improve Norwest Bay Road from Mason Road to Wakefield Road during phase one of the development. These improvements will include having the dip in the road lifted and sidewalks and curbs installed.
Shanks said he supports the improvements to this section of Norwest Bay Road, but is content to have the remainder of the road brought up to rural standards. West Acorn Road will become a two-lane paved road after phase two. Also during phase one, Lewarne Road will be upgraded. This road will be used to transport most of the equipment to the site.
Allan later questioned whether the roadwork would be completed on schedule if the developers were overly optimistic on their sales projections. Poole responded that the roadwork would still be done, but the completion dates are tied to the sale of the homes. Following the vote, audience members asked for the opportunity to speak.
Randy Smith, a West Sechelt resident, expressed his disdain with the outcome of the vote and spoke passionately of his concerns. He stated he was very unhappy with the process that had taken place, as all of the meetings he had attended were very one-sided and questions brought forth by West Sechelt residents had not been answered.
He said he personally spoke to between 400 and 500 people and it is his belief that the Sunshine Coast could be easily ruined by developments if they are not carefully thought out and that this development does not adhere to the official Community plan.
Another resident presented a letter to council questioning what would happen if the development stalled due to economic downturns and further pointed out that 900 people had signed a petition and four of the seven elected officials were prepared to ignore their constituents and allow the development to proceed.
Mike Davis, another West Sechelt resident, said there was not enough public input and he is concerned that there are not enough adequate playing fields on the Coast.
