A win for West Vista Terrace
Tonight's update from North Cowichan
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In a thrilling turn of events at tonight’s council meeting, the long-debated West Vista Terrace development project has finally received the approval it’s been chasing. The project, poised to bring new life to the area near the $1.44-billion Cowichan District Hospital, narrowly crossed the finish line with a vote that saw unexpected support.
Mayor Rob Douglas and Councillor Chris Justice, previously steadfast in their opposition, held firm with a ‘no’ vote, citing concerns over adherence to the Official Community Plan (OCP) and infrastructure costs. However, their resistance was not enough to thwart the project’s progress.
The vote turned in favour of development thanks to a surprising ‘yes’ from Councillor Chris Istace, joining Councillors Bruce Findlay, Tek Manhas, and Mike Caljouw. Istace’s change of heart, influenced perhaps by public support and the project’s potential benefits, has been a pivotal moment for the community.
This development is expected to inject significant economic growth into North Cowichan, featuring 700 residential units, retail, commercial spaces, and a 95-room hotel. It’s not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about offering jobs, particularly to First Nations workers through the Indigenous-led RavenStone Construction, and addressing the housing crisis head-on.
The project’s journey was fraught with bureaucratic hurdles, but tonight’s vote marks a victory for practical development over rigid policy. It’s a win for the residents who’ve long awaited this project, for economic growth, and for those who believe in a dynamic approach to community planning.
The West Vista Terrace project is now set to transform the landscape around the new hospital, promising a future where development and community needs are in harmony. Stay tuned as we watch this project unfold from the ground up.
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