A 242-acre park proposed for Bowen Island may, if approved, resolve two decades of controversy surrounding a planned development on island near Vancouver
The new 242-acre park proposed for Bowen Island may include some of the most treasured coastline in B.C., but it is also the culmination of two decades of controversy involving a battle over new density and the threat to sensitive forest and coastal bluff.
For decades, residents had treated the land as a highly prized, publicly accessible quasi-conservation area. Plans to develop the land, adding significant density – much more than the 224 allowed under the Official Community Plan – along with park and coastline protection, drew an angry response from residents.
In 2014, Mr. Ho said he planned to sell off the remaining lots. “In any case, this property is now being showcased to a global market,” he told the local news outlet, the Bowen Island Undercurrent. However, a buyer wasn’t found and Mr. Ho’s daughter, Candy Ho, helped the owners sell two dozen lots over the years. A few big houses sprang up, with the owners putting strict environmental covenants in place. Ms. Ho says she turned down one buyer who wanted to install a pool.
Candy Ho, CEO of The Cape on Bowen Community Development Ltd., on Bowen Island, off the coast from Vancouver.“The conservancy set a new precedent at market value … that made it possible. This is not pie in the sky anymore,” she remembers thinking. Last year, a conditional agreement was reached with Metro Vancouver to purchase 24 lots for about $40-million. However, the proposal still has to go through the island’s rezoning process, and residents have mounted a petition against a proposed campsite because the ferry service is already stretched. Others are thrilled with the idea of it being protected in perpetuity as park.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Metro Vancouver park on Bowen Island met with 'unexpected opposition'A new park on Bowen Island has prompted early opposition, but Metro staff say getting critical feedback is part of the public consultation process to make a park that works for everyone.
Read more »
MP proposes North Island-Powell River renamed to North Island-qathetNDP MP Rachel Blaney has filed an objection to the riding's current name and has requested a change to 'North Island-qathet.'
Read more »
Towers planned for north end of downtown headed to public hearingThe three residential tower blocks proposed by Chard Developments on the site of the White Spot restaurant and Capital City Centre Hotel would contain about 450 units of housing, plus retail and office space.
Read more »
Burnaby’s last bowling alley land sold to developer, highrise towers plannedThe home of Revs Entertainment, the last remaining bowling alley in Burnaby, has been sold to Keltic Canada Development.
Read more »
Indigenous speaker planned for Earth Day documentary screeningConstance Manitowabi will speak following a screening of a There's Something in the Water
Read more »
Massive 'wellness and social club' planned for former Ottawa Canadian Tire storeAn active-lifestyle company is planning to open a massive new facility in the old Canadian Tire store at Carling and Clyde avenues.
Read more »