The spacious lots that characterize Garibaldi Estates could start shrinking. On Tuesday (May 6) council considered amendments to subdivide three lots in the area along Diamond Head Road and Read Crescent.While the lots could typically be subdivided and still fit in with zoning, the Veteran's Land Act complicates the issue. According to a staff report, the Garibaldi Estates lots were created under the Veterans' Land Administration, a branch of the Department of Veterans Affairs developed during the Second World War that helped ex-soldiers settle and return to the land. With only a small down payment, ex-servicemen could purchase Garibaldi Estates land with the help of a government loan. Veterans were encouraged to settle small rural holdings as part-time farmers or to substitute commercial fishing for full-time farming. Within this in mind, the lots were made large enough to facilitate small-scale farming and livestock activity, a function they are rarely used for today.But as some landowners try to turn one lot into two, others are concerned the neighbourhood's character is at risk.A letter signed by 20 Estates residents outlined some community concerns."Many of the property owners in this area enjoy natural woodlands, large gardens, orchards and even small agricultural endeavours such as apiaries. A higher density development will bring more traffic and increase in noise, and will ultimately change the unique character of the neighbourhood and result in the loss of forested areas and refuge for wildlife," the letter stated. If council does move to increase density in the neighbourhood, the letter requested that residents have a voice in the planning process."There may come a time when higher density living is a good idea for this pocket of older homes and larger properties, but when that day comes we feel there should be an overall plan to include the input of area residents," it said.Some subdivisions have already been permitted in the area, which Coun. Corinne Lonsdale thought began happening in the 1980s. Rather than dealing with applications on a case-by-case basis, Coun. Greg Gardner said council might want to take a more detailed look at the neighbourhood to come up with a community-specific solution."It's easy to plan a dense community from scratch," he said. "Doing it on a lot by lot basis is troubling people I think."He said there might be a way to increase density without upsetting neighbours."The opposition may not be that further subdivision is not wanted completely. Perhaps the new zoning is too blunt and instrument." Rather than diving into the issue, Mayor Ian Sutherland asked that council revisit the issue later with more information, noting their decisions could prompt a string of applications."This is three but it could lead to six or nine or 12 later on," he said. Coun. Raj Kahlon also said more applications were likely to follow. Sutherland asked that council members give the issue a closer look at a future strategy session with examples from other communities before making a decision on the applications. All of council voted in favour of the idea.
