Attachment 2 Letter to Mayor and Council, September 24, 2021

RE: Environmental Development Application Permit for 1 Midwood

Dear View Royal Mayor and Council,

We are pleased to submit an application for an Environmental Development Permit for the property at 1 Midwood.

The property at 1 Midwood was developed in 1984 as a single-family residence. We have an option to purchase the property and intend to remove the existing home and subdivided it into two lots as is allowed under its existing R1-B Zoning. Indeed, when this area (e.g. Seabird Place) was developed 1 Midwood was planned as two lots and we are not aware of how it became a single lot. We have received a Preliminary Layout Assessment from the Deputy Approving Officer to subdivide this lot into two lots as was the original plan. The issuance of an Environmental Development Permit is a condition for final subdivision approval.

White Wolf Homes strives to not only build, but to design energy efficient homes. Our team works with an energy advisor throughout our builds to help us be as efficient and effective as possible. Energy Star Appliances, spray foam insulation and solar panels are a few examples of how we proudly design homes that help the environment. In addition to our building practices, we show consideration to the environment when removing existing properties, by donating fixtures and building materials to habitat for humanity, and by recycling as much of the material as possible.

We have worked with Lehna Malmkvist a QEP and Registered Professional Biologist from Swell Environmental Consulting to guide the proposed landscape works within the 15m Environmental Development Permit Area (EDPA) zone. As identified in the Environmental Overview Assessment the existing EDPA consists of a manicured lawn and non-native ornamental species. As result this redevelopment presents a great opportunity to restore a significant component of the sites ecological conditions.

The development of the proposed landscaping plan was guided by Lehna Malmkvist to be consistent with the EDPA guidelines, which encourages retention of existing native vegetation and restoration of a portion of EDPA. There is currently no native vegetation within the EDPA and the new buildings will not encroach into the EDPA. The proposed landscape plan features exclusively native plantings and the planting of 10 trees and 360 m² of native shrubs and ground cover. Over 65% of the existing manicured EDPA will be restored to ecologically appropriate native vegetation. A small lawn area will be retained on each property with an access point to the waterfront. The Environmental Overview Assessment also outlines the monitoring and mitigation measures that will be implemented during construction.

While not part of the EDP application, Council should be aware that the only trees required for protection are two boulevard trees along the Seabird frontage. A tree protection plan will be implemented as part of the subdivision and building permit processes under the auspices of View Royal’s Tree Protection Bylaw.

We are pleased to be doing a White Wolf Homes development in View Royal and doing our part to support restore to the Portage Inlet waterfront to more natural conditions.

Cordially,

Steve Briggs Project Manager White Wolf Homes steve@whitewolfhomes.ca 250-727-8008