OCP’s control future transportation needs by Rod Clack Professional planner Replies to the Sidney Community Plan ques- tionnaire showed that most people were satisfied with things as they are and wanted the place to remain a quiet small town. I believe this would reflect the opinions of most residents of the Peninsula as well. However, the Peninsula faces threats which will affect our lifestyle from the policies and actions of the Capital Region District, the CRD. The Land Use and Transportation Review currently under way by the province and the CRD is something to watch. ~The study assumes that the population increase curve of the past decade will be allowed to continue without change and is accepting a scenario for unlimited development on a scale which will drastically and irrevocably alter the urban and rural landscape as well as the quality of life we know today. Even if Peninsula municipalities were to hold the line on unbridled population expansion, an unlimited growth in the rest of the Region would have serious impacts on the Peninsula. Although a 2.2 per cent annual growth rate appears innocuous, it means large increases over time. The Capital Region would jump from 290,000 now to over 500,000 within 30 years. The question to be answered and used as the " basis for not only the Transportation Study but for all of our planning (local and regional), is whether such population forecasts should be our goal. Equally, if not more important, is whether the Region, and especially our Peninsula area, can support any substantial development growth with- out degradation of the fragile environment. It is imperative that we know what the trade offs are, including the high costs of services infra- structure, the environmental and pollution effects of highway construction, the pressures for subur- ban sprawl on agricultural lands, the loss of scenic amenity, and whether all of these and other factors will improve or lower the quality of life for residents. Approximate population limits are fixed through density control in Official Community Plans. It is this density control in land use which - determines the need for and the type of transpor- tation capacity required. Land use first, then transportation. Increases in population density within the Region can be accommodated only in the short term under existing Community Plans. That is why the community plan reviews currently under- way are SO important to everyone. Local councils can control population growth as a matter of enforceable policy under the B.C. Municipal Act. The zoning bylaws are the enforcement mechanism. The people through their local politicians have the power to make the choices. We need not accept the scenario that growth is inevitable ad infinitum. That is a sure recipe for the loss and destruction of most of what makes this area so very attractive as a place in which to live, work, and enjoy life. Almost all population increase is from in- migration from elsewhere. Obviously the Penin- sula and the Region as a whole is an attractive destination and near perfect as a retirement haven. Even so, the same can be said for the rest of Vancouver Island. In fact there exists a strong desire to attract migration in a number of up-Island areas. This could be the logical safety valve for population pressures and the problems of exces- sive growth in the Capital Region, which is bounded by seacoast and mountains and cannot expand. By far the most crucial decision for the Peninsula and for the Region is to determine the capacity of the land area to sustain growth and population without environmental degradation and a resulting loss of attractiveness and the lifestyle we enjoy now. Every planning action inevitably flows from that decision. It affects everything from highways and hospitals, schools to sewers. Yet we have no regional conservation strategy or liveable region initiatives to chart the future of the Peninsula and the region. Preoccupied with relatively minor local traffic concerns we are Tushing to provide transportation answers for population numbers far beyondf what we are zoned to accomodate. And with no notion at all of how to preserve what remains of our natural heritage. Rod Clack is a retired urban planner with international experience who serves as a direc- tor with the Provincial Capital Commission and is a member of the Sidney Advisory Planning Commission. He lives in Sidney. Cancer monihs kicks off early GEE vy Ea AN EARLY SPRING is forcing Canadian Cancer Society volunteers to kick off their annual campaign much earlier than expected. The yellow Symbols of Hope, the daffodils are ready for picking two weeks early. Therefore, Daffodil Days are now March 14-16. A spokesman said: “The two weeks we lost to Mother Nature were the two weeks we were going to call on you personally and ask for support.” Companies interested in purchasing bulk daffodils to help the campaign are asked to call or fax an order to the office this week. ““We urge you to please be generous as Mother Nature has been with her - weather.” One bunch with 10 blooms is $2.50, and half a box with 25 bunches is $60. Call 592-2244 or fax 592-7616. ee * EVER SEARCH FOR that B.C. Government department without success? Now, the province has opened a toll-free referral service that pro- vides access to information about all provincial programs and services. People in Greater Victoria can call 387-6121, or elsewhere, call 1-800-663- 7867. * * * IT’S NOT AN INVASION, it’s a visit to Sidney Thursday at precisely 3:20 p.m. by Her Majesty's Canadian Ships Fundy, Chignecto, Chaleur and Miramichi. The Esquimalt-based vessels won’t be here long, though. The converted minesweep- ers, now employed as training ships, are scheduled to depart again Friday at 8:45 a.m. Each are 152-feet long with a 28-foot beam and nine-foot draught. Their complement is five officers, 10 trainees and 20 crew. Stop and make them welcome if you have a chance. * x * x OK x AUSTRALIA’S COMING TO SIDNEY on March 23, as the Town invites Peninsula residents to attend a Cairns, Australia Night at the newly-constructed Port Sidney Marina Third Building. A slide and other presentations by the Australian Tourist Authority will begin at 7 p.m. Cairns is Sidney’s sister city. * * x é CAN YOUR SPEAK BASQUE? North Saanich Ald. Edo Nyland, a retired forester with diverse interests, is working on a history of the Basque people and “I badly need someone who can speak their language.” If you can help, call Nyland at 656-9276. xk x ABOUT $10,700 worth of sales from the Saanich Peninsula contributed to the Save The Children Fund of B.C.’s provincial Christmas card sales total of about $263,000, representative Patsy McAvity said recently. The money is matched by CIDA for projects in Third World countries. TheReview Wednesday, March 11,1992 — A7 24 HR. TOWING Phone 656-3939 “Serving the Peninsula for 28 Yrs.” GURTON’S GARAGE LTD. TIRELAND SIDNEY VISA * SHELL * MASTERCARD Corner of McTavish & E.Saanich Rd. 656-3939 TODAY'S REAL ESTATE Tim Zahar Arlene Davidsen SEE eee aT PARTICIPATING IN YOUR OWNERS ASSOCIATION If you live in a condo or coop, your Owners association plays an important role in the operation of the building. It is responsible for maintenance, landscaping, planning the budget and setting the level of the maintenance charges or any special assessments. Owner participation usually promotes responsible man- agement which in turn supports higher property values in the project. In some projects, the owners leave it to a few of their neighbours, and if things don’t go well they point fingers and assess blame. In others, many owners are willing to serve on the association board or committees that can make a real contribution to the community. Ifthe owners really take responsibility for their environment, it tends to get more attractive. It makes your project a better place for you to live and it makes it easier for us to sell for top dollar when you decide to move on. For solid advice on all real estate transactions, call upon us, Tim or Arlene, at 652-5171. NRS Properties. 2nd PHASE ~) NOW OPEN | You're Invited To MORNINGSTAR 1/2 way between Parksville and Qualicum Opposite French Creek Boat Basin SUPERB FAIRWAY TOWNHOMES ON A WORLD CLASS 7018 YD. CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSE OPEN FOR 12-5 PM. VIEWING DAILY BILL HORMAN; DON JAMIESON HARBOUR HOMES: Sales Office: 248-8057