Letter dated January 14, 2020 from K. Brigidear (Correspondence Copy)
Duplicate entry of the letter regarding focus group interactions and density concerns from Hidden Oaks residents.
Mayor Screech and Councillors:
We are writing today in advance of a presentation scheduled on Tuesday January 14 at the Committee of the Whole by Mr. Doug Foord of Invictus Commercial Development regarding their Eagle’s Nest Proposal at Helmcken and Burnside Road. The application to speak at COW does not give any detail as to what Mr. Foord will be presenting. Therefore, since we, just learning of his intention to speak to COW, do not have time to apply for a formal position on the COW agenda have decided to inform you of the interactions between Invictus and The Hidden Oaks Residents over the last couple of months from our perspective.
Mr. Foord held 2 focus group meetings late in 2019, where the Hidden Oaks Residents were invited to hear from his consultants (architect, landscape architect, traffic and planner). Good discussion occurred at these meetings, however, despite multiple questioning regarding the key issue of density we were told the total number of units was yet to be determined. Thus, any conversation is clouded by their lack of transparency with us. They presented a very nice footprint for building placement etc. but that does not address the density issue. So despite the overture to Hidden Oak Residents to be included in planning we were locked out of information that is critical to the community and we cannot support a project, even in conceptual form, that does not allow us to know even their minimum unit number planned. Therefore, we want to be clear with Council that we still and continue to believe that unless Invictus reduces the number of units SUBSTANTIALLY we do not believe this high-density project to be consistent with the community.
At these focus group meetings, we asked how Mr. Foord was going to move forward to engage with the larger community and we were told they would be holding an open house for the larger community then would be coming to Council. As it turns out, Mr. Foord has scheduled a community engagement meeting for Wednesday night following his presentation to COW. To us, and the larger community that would seem to be obligatory rather than inclusive if he is truly seeking input.
We will be at the COW meeting on Tuesday to hear what Mr. Foord will present and will possibly look to speak after Mr. Foord’s presentation but wanted you to know in advance our perspective on the meetings and our ongoing concern regarding high density.
Thank you for your service to our Community!
Respectfully,