Editor:
The Coast Community Builders Association (CCBA) board of directors letter to the editor, Aug. 6 (CCBA endorses OCP changes) clearly shows the CCBA has a serious misunderstanding of the proposed bylaw change for East Porpoise Bay's industrial waterfront. Its letter states the proposed zoning change is from light industry to industrial zoning. However, what thedraft official community plan (OCP) actually says, (p. 108, point 12)"in this designation (working waterfront), uses shall be limited to marine businesses and transportation services for which waterfront access is essential."
The present zoning, I-3 (light industrial), isa very inclusive zoning. It already allows many kinds of light industry includingmarine Industry and transportation services.
The proposedchange to"working waterfront" is very restrictive in allowingonly those businesses that require marine access.
Since these businesses are already allowed by the present zoning and since many of the lots in the affected areaare unsuitable for marine industry (two lots are landlocked and many others are fronted by shallow eel grass beds), the proposed change will result in fewer business opportunities, not more. In fact, the draft OCP goes on to say, (p. 108, point 13) "existing commercial or industrial uses for which marine access is not essential are encouraged to relocate to non-waterfront locations."
The CCBA seems to think that the proposed changes to the OCP willencourage industry and jobs. This proposal will likely kill jobs, not create them. Where does the CCBA think this new marine industry is coming from?
I have spoken to seven of the eight property owners directly affected by this proposed bylaw change and all I spoke to were opposed to a change to a more restrictive zoning as outlined in the draft OCP.
Greg Deacon
Sechelt
