Correspondence RE: 275 Kerwood DP application

Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2020 10:20 AM To: Info Address info@viewroyal.ca Subject: 275 Kerwood DP application - Dennis Law - Letter to council - Meeting tonight April 14/2020

Thank you for your consideration of my application for a Development Permit and Variances for my property on 275 Kerwood Street.

As we are unable to attend the meeting in person, I’d like to provide you with some background from my perspective.

I purchased the land with the intent of constructing a residence for my family in April 2018. The property had an old boathouse and dock on poor condition that I thought I’d work on while I had the house designed and awaited the various permits to construct.

I mistakenly added a 6” overhang to the existing boat house and replaced the rotting walls with 2x4 and plywood as I did not understand that a permit was required for such minor works as the Water Lot license stated I could Repair without permit. I did not make any changes to the actual structure, foundation or footprint of the boat house. What you see in all the reports has been in place for many years. I was issued a stop work order and proceeded to follow staff’s directions with regards to the correct process.

I commissioned the many reports and drawings you see before you, and proceeded with and received approvals for the boathouse and dock through the Esquimalt Harbour Environmental Screening process. I also received approvals from Transport Canada and Department of Fishery’s and Ocean (DFO) for the proposed dock. (The dock application will be coming forward shortly).

And I will reiterate for the comfort of all that there is no intention for the boathouse to be inhabited at any time by anyone. There will be no plumbing (other than an exterior faucet for washing boating equipment) or cooking facilities. The boathouse is strictly for storage and repair of boating equipment, PFDs, canoes, kayaks and the like.

The need for the concrete retaining walls and stairs is due to the seep topography of the site, from the house to the dock. The accompanying landscaping plan has been designed in consultation with the project biologist to greatly improve habitat. I note that staff recommend smaller walls, but this would likely result in more concrete and disturbance due to the steepness of the site. It is my hope that the landscaping as proposed will eventually screen the walls and provide a beautiful natural habitat as viewed from the land and water.

I would also like to make cosmetic changes to the boat house that includes new siding, paint and doors, in order to improve its appearance from the water also. As you can see from the photos in the reports it has been an eyesore for many years.

I’m a little confused by the statement (Alternative Recommendation #5) that the Development Permit cannot be issued until the principal dwelling unit in the property is constructed. I was told that I could not apply for building permit until the DP had been issued. The other factor is that it will very difficult and costly to construct any walls or stairs and do repairs to the boat house once the principal residence is constructed. Please advise me of my options in this regard.

I thank Council for your consideration and look forward to working proactively with yourselves and staff to move this project forward..

Dennis Law