take action now
Letter Writing Campaign – Cut and Paste/Write Your Own
NEW! WETLANDS UPDATE (See "Wetlands" page)
WATCH VIDEOS! STREAMKEEPERS, WETLANDS, TRAFFIC, ZONING
(See "Videos" page)
We have received fantastic response to our four videos regarding ecological threats, traffic safety and zoning inconsistencies presented by WestUrban's proposed Simms Creek development.
We continue to ask concerned citizens to write City Hall.
TAKE ACTION – WRITE A LETTER (Cut and Paste/Write Your Own)
Why?
We want City Hall to hear us loudly, clearly and in great volume! Every letter received must be compiled in a Report to Council – it’s up to us to make it the biggest report in Campbell River history. Let’s fill up inboxes so it’s impossible to ignore the fact that voters are against this proposed development.
When?
NOW! The Province is requiring WestUrban to adhere to regulations to ensure an accurate Riparian Areas Protection Regulation report is submitted. A hydrogeologist has raised serious concerns about water table data and an aquifer. Let’s send our letters NOW!
How?
Cut and Paste: Follow the 5 easy steps below.
Write Your Own: Follow the instructions below, including any information on this website as talking points.
Thank you for helping Save Simms Creek!
Letter Writing Campaign – Cut and Paste
4 Letters – 5 Easy Steps
See Letters 1, 2 , 3 and 4 below (one for each of 4 Save Simms Creek videos):
- Copy and paste the email addresses into your email
- Add the subject line: “Have You Seen This Video?”
- Copy and paste the text (add or change if you wish to personalize it) into body of email
- Add your name at the bottom
- Hit ‘Send’
Letter 1 – Salmon Creek Video (to Council, Development, Environment)
Councillor.Chapman@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Tanille@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Kerr@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Lanyon@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Sinnott@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Smyth@campbellriver.ca
keltie.chamberlain@campbellriver.ca
Dear Mayor, Council, Ms. Chamberlain and Mr. Martin,
Re: P2300001 and P2300002 – 1650 Galerno Road and 0 Alder Street
Have you seen this video?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Lm0yrts4io&t=2s
I am opposed to the height variance request by WestUrban Developments Ltd. for its proposed development of the above properties.
This video clearly shows Simms Creek, a salmon-bearing creek, is already under threat due to previous development, stormwater dumping and the existing urban surroundings. Instead of building more and denser housing to further degrade this creek, we ought to be restoring it and prove Campbell River can continue to be The Salmon Capital of the World.
My vote is for no development on these properties. It is important to the creek, wildlife corridor and the many birds and animals which make this their home that these lands remain ecologically intact.
I would appreciate a response to these concerns.
Sincerely,
[Add Name]
Letter 2 – Wetlands Video (to Council, Development, Environment)
Councillor.Chapman@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Tanille@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Kerr@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Lanyon@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Sinnott@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Smyth@campbellriver.ca
keltie.chamberlain@campbellriver.ca
Dear Mayor, Council, Ms. Chamberlain and Mr. Martin,
Re: P2300001 and P2300002 – 1650 Galerno Road and 0 Alder Street
Have you seen this video?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ckMim4QDw8&t=6s
I am opposed to the height variance request by WestUrban Developments Ltd. for its proposed development of the above properties.
This video clearly shows wetlands on these properties link to Simms Creek and need to be protected. Wetlands provide additional water volume in the creek during dry periods which is critically important for the health of the salmon and other fish in the creek. They also contribute to a healthy environment necessary to support the birds and animals that inhabit these wooded properties.
My vote is for no development on these properties. The ecological integrity of these properties should be maintained or restored to continue to support the creek, wildlife corridor and home to many creatures.
I would appreciate a response to these concerns.
Sincerely,
[Add Name]
Letter 3 – Traffic Video (to Council, Development, Traffic)
Councillor.Chapman@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Tanille@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Kerr@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Lanyon@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Sinnott@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Smyth@campbellriver.ca
keltie.chamberlain@campbellriver.ca
Melissa.Heidema@campbellriver.ca
Dear Mayor, Council, Ms. Chamberlain and Ms. Heidema,
Re: P2300001 and P2300002 – 1650 Galerno Road and 0 Alder Street
Have you seen this video?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHSMXbCAODk&t=5s
I am opposed to the height variance request by WestUrban Developments Ltd. for its proposed development of the above properties.
This video clearly illustrates the great risks associated with adding 300 cars per day onto the steep Alder hill, both personal risks to drivers and potential liability to the City if, and more likely when, an accident occurs.
There is also a clear conflict with the proposed Master Transportation Plan which has not provided for turn lanes or additional lights, but does add extra parking and bicycle lanes which would certainly complicate traffic issues.
My vote is for no development on these properties. Alder hill already has issues with excessive speed, icing, vehicles turning into one street and one condo development, a steep grade and regular wildlife crossing. Let’s not take any additional risks.
I would appreciate a response to my concerns.
Sincerely,
[Add Name]
Letter 4 – Height Variance/Zoning Video (to Council, Development)
Councillor.Chapman@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Tanille@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Kerr@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Lanyon@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Sinnott@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Smyth@campbellriver.ca
keltie.chamberlain@campbellriver.ca
Dear Mayor, Council, and Ms. Chamberlain,
Re: P2300001 and P2300002 – 1650 Galerno Road and 0 Alder Street
Have you seen this video?
I am opposed to the height variance request by WestUrban Developments Ltd. for its proposed development of the above properties.
This video clearly illustrates their request for a height variance to 16 metres exceeds the maximum height for both RM-1 and RM-2 Zone. These properties are zoned RM-1, with a height maximum of 10 metres. RM-2 Zone maximum height is 15 metres.
This application should be rejected as it does not comply with RM-1 Zone bylaws.
My vote is for no development on these properties. The requested height variance exceeds maximum heights for both RM-1 and RM-2 Zone. A height variance amounting to 60% more than what is allowed by RM-1 bylaws should not be approved. Please strictly enforce the RM-1 bylaws.
I would appreciate a response to my concerns.
Sincerely,
[Add Name]
Letter Writing Campaign – Write Your Own
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO NOW IS WRITE A LETTER OPPOSING WESTURBAN DEVELOPMENTS' REQUEST FOR A HEIGHT VARIANCE.
NOTE: ONLY LETTERS THAT SPECIFICALLY SAY "OPPOSED TO THE HEIGHT VARIANCE" WILL BE CONSIDERED BY CITY HALL. PLEASE INCLUDE THIS IN YOUR LETTER.
The template below is a suggestion for your letter (hand write or copy and paste into your own document). Using your own voice will have greater impact at City Hall - be sure to include the words "opposed to the height variance" so your letter is counted. We appreciate any and all letters in opposition to the height variance and this development. Please feel free to use any of the information on this website as talking points. Thank you for your contribution to help Save Simms Creek!
Councillor.Chapman@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Tanille@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Kerr@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Lanyon@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Sinnott@campbellriver.ca
Councillor.Smyth@campbellriver.ca
keltie.chamberlain@campbellriver.ca
Melissa.Heidema@campbellriver.ca
[Your Address]
[Date]
Mayor and Council and
Keltie Chamberlain, Development Services Department
Campbell River City Hall
301 St. Ann's Road
Campbell River, BC V9W 4C7
Dear Mayor, Councillors and the Development Services Department,
Re: P2300001 and P2300002 - 1650 Galerno Road and 0 Alder Street
I am opposed to the height variance requested for WestUrban Developments Ltd.'s proposed development of the above properties.
I support NO development on these properties.
[You may wish to write more. Add your own words to personalize your letter for greater impact, and feel free to use any of the information on this website as talking points. Voice your concerns and urge the protection of Simms Creek salmon, wetlands, wildlife greenway and urban forest, and express any additional issues such as zoning, traffic safety, density and changing neighbourhood character, steep slope hazards, stormwater management, or anything that is important to you.]
Thank you for taking action to stop this development and preserve Simms Creek in its natural state. I look forward to your prompt response.
Yours truly,
[Name and Signature]
UPDATES:
Wetlands: The Province is requiring WestUrban to adhere to regulations to ensure an accurate Riparian Areas Protection Regulation report is submitted. A hydrogeologist has raised serious concerns about water table data and an aquifer.
Traffic: See "Traffic Safety" page for RCMP/Citizens On Patrol traffic statistics on Alder Street South.
Geotechnical Report: The geotechnical report dated October 21, 2022 posted on the City’s website as part of WestUrban’s development application documents was an addendum referring to an earlier report. The original report, dated June 3, 2022, has been added to the City’s website.
Both documents are based on different buildings than what WestUrban is proposing in their application. The original report clearly shows townhouses and one apartment building, and the addendum refers to three 3-storey apartment buildings each with one level underground parking. The height variance request is for three 4-storey buildings each with two levels underground parking.
Height Variance Application: The City has not yet mailed the required Statutory Notification for the Development Variance Permit (Height Variance) to homes within 100m of the properties. We will let you know when they do and what date it will go before Council for hearing. Written submissions are the ONLY way the public will have input. WestUrban will be permitted to make a presentation to City Council.
The City cannot move forward with the height variance application until such time as the Minor Development Permit (MIP) Application is resolved and approved by the City Development Services Department. This MIP includes the RAPR (wetlands) report, so the height variance is effectively stalled pending Provincial, then City review.