Email from Jane Devonshire RE: #9 Erskine Lane

#9 Erskine Lane

• It just came to our attention in this week’s agenda about the application for rezoning of this rural property
• I feel that there are a lot of questions to be asked about it and that we have not had the opportunity for input
• Writing to express my deep concern that this precious forest full of Douglas firs will be virtually wiped out with this development, what about our Declaration of a Climate Emergency and looking at everything through the lens of climate change?
• We really need to start putting a monetary value on our valuable natural assets like they are doing in Nanaimo
• Cities around the world are scrambling to establish forest ecosystems and it is unconscionable that we should be raising this one to the ground to set up a parking lot, lawns and sprawling buildings
• In the long term this property may serve the community better as a forest with all its co-benefits rather than as a drain on our infrastructure
• The co-benefits of this are huge: healthy ecosystem, healthy planet, healthy people
• Covid-19 has been overwhelming for everyone but we must not lose sight of the fact that we are in a climate crisis
• We should be doing everything in our power to save these mature trees, this is zoned rural and should stay that way
• One mature tree is worth a thousand saplings in terms of carbon sequestration
• We need to be sequestering carbon and cleaning the particulates from the air that exacerbate respiratory illnesses like covid-19
• I can appreciate we need more affordable housing but if one has to build, let’s build smarter for the well-being of our residents rather than the well-being of the developers
• If there is to be any kind of development on this land it should have the smallest footprint as possible, build up for the condo building and down for the parking; no climate heating blacktop parking lots
• Decrease the number of required parking spots and give free bus passes to each unit for 6 months to a year; studies have shown that this has been very successful in getting people to change their habits and take transit
• Lawns too would be a huge drain on our water supply; keep as much natural forest intact as possible; forest bathing is good for the soul
• Victoria and other cities around the world are looking towards the future that is pedestrian focused and not car-centric
• Let’s make this a beautiful walking neighbourhood
• Would like to revisit the OCP and make sure we have a clear vision for View Royal that clearly defines sustainability and protection of our environment
• The OCP advocates for environmental protection of our tree canopies. Where is that reflected in this proposal???
• We would really appreciate the opportunity for more public input before this goes for a vote on rezoning
• Colwood Council is allowing public meetings and advisory committee meetings through a Zoom platform, why can’t we?
• Nelson uses a platform called the “Thought Exchange” for public input
• (https://www.thoughtexchange.com/)
• I sincerely hope council will hold off on their decision for rezoning
• The public needs more transparency and input

Respectfully yours, Jane Devonshire 242 Glenairlie Drive