Council Bypasses Environmental Commission, Permits Concrete Stairway Across Beach.

Councillors Browne, Green, Mearns and Scoones voted in favour of a development permit for a resident to construct a new stairway across a Saanich Inlet beach.

The area is identified in the Official Community Plan (OCP) as requiring special concern due to steep slopes and proximity to the foreshore but a motion by Councillor Chandler to refer the matter to the District’s Environmental Advisory Commission was voted down. 

While the District’s zoning in this area prohibits structures of any kind to be located on the beach, the new stairway is being presented as a paving improvement which the bylaw does not consider a structure.

The applicant will now ask permission from the Province for the work to move ahead.

Voting In Favour:  Councillors Browne, Green, Mearns, Scoones.

Voting Against:  Mayor Finall, Councillor Chandler.

Absent:  Councillor Commandeur

To view a webcast of the Council discussion go to the District Website

and check out:

Report dated July 14 2011 from the Assistant Planner regarding a development permit application for 10634 Mardona Drive.