Letter to Chief Andrew Thomas regarding Christie Point Redevelopment
A letter from Realstar Management to Chief Andrew Thomas of the Esquimalt Nation regarding the project's approach and planning principles.
October 25, 2016
Chief Andrew Thomas Esquimalt Nation 1189 Kosapsum Crescent Victoria, BC V9A 7K7
Sent via e‐mail: ChiefThomas@esquimaltnation.ca
Dear Chief Thomas,
RE: Christie Point Redevelopment
Thank you for finding time in your busy summer schedule to meet with me and my team on August 18, 2016, to discuss Realstar’s redevelopment plan for Christie Point, a 15.8 acre rental apartment property with documented archaeological sites. I enjoyed speaking with you and welcome the opportunity to learn more about your community and your culture.
We have created a set of development principles that articulate our approach to the redevelopment of Christie Point. Our architect, Franc D’Ambrosio of D’Ambrosio Architecture and Urbanism, was selected not only for his award winning designs, but also for the importance he places on this early definitive work that clarifies intentions and sets standards of ethics and excellence to guide the building designs, the community outreach and the development process. These principles reflect environmental, economic, social and community values and will include our intentions to honour these Christie Point lands. Attached is a copy of the preliminary planning principles, as currently articulated. We would like to continue to develop these principles with you and with the Elders. We have met with Chief Sam from the Songhees Nation and he is aware of our desire to meet with the Elders and has offered his support over the coming months.
For your reference, our redevelopment plans for Christie Point encourage a smaller ecological impact than what currently exists and offers greater vertical density, increasing rental residences from 161 to 520 units. These apartment homes will be market rental and we have begun conversations with existing residents to ensure that they have choices and are supported in their choices should they choose to stay or to seek accommodation elsewhere. We are committed to treating Christie Point residents with respect throughout the process and to exceeding the obligations of the BC Residential Tenancy Act. As our redevelopment process requires several years of planning and approvals, it is our hope that we can work with existing residents over this prolonged period to ease concerns and assist them where possible. Our intention is to phase the construction to accommodate those residents who choose to stay, where possible.