A trio of properties along Lochside Drive are looking like they’ll be park land for North Saanich.

In May, council asked staff to get a little information about possibly rezoning the three district-owned waterfront properties on Bazan Bay. They are currently zoned P1 institutional and wouldn’t require rezoning to be used as natural open space.

However, staff told council, if the goal is to develop more active park uses, they should be rezoned according to the type of park use. A detailed site analysis would cost $25,000 to $60,000 staff told council. Then there could be remediation on top of that, considering one site used to house a sewage treatment plant. Staff cautioned council that once the properties are rezoned and used as park land it would be difficult to have them rezoned for other uses.

“The overall goal generally was park land because North Saanich has very little park land of its own,” said Councillor Cairine Green.

It’s an important legacy to leave, she added.

“It’s the only patch of green all along the shoreline, the rest is all developed,” said Councillor Ruby Commandeur, noting the property as a park would be invaluable to future generations.

“What information could we possibly get that will change our minds? What are we waiting for?” asked Councillor Peter Chandler.

Councillor Bob Shaw, while noting he’s not opposed to the park land idea, was also cautious and reminded council that the properties were once seen as infrastructure. The largest of the three properties, 8931 Lochside Drive, used to be the site of a sewage treatment plant and the other two lots were bought by the Capital Regional District for consideration of a future sewage disposal plant.

“The thought at the time was they were infrastructure assets,” Shaw said. He pointed out that an infrastructure plan is coming soon from municipal staff and there may be some “staggering” long-term costs noted in that report.

The properties are appraised at nearly $3 million. The land at 8931 Lochside has an assessed value of $891,000 and is appraised at $1,464,000 while the other two properties at 8943 and 8957 Lochside are assessed at $578,000 and appraised at $750,000 each.

Shaw also expressed concern over the terrain of the land, with steep ravines and waterways, it may not be appropriate for a public park. “I think we need to have an assessment … as to suitability for park land,” Shaw said.

That didn’t change any minds, and council asked staff to prepare the path for rezoning the three properties from P1 to P4, and to refer the report to the Parks Commission for perusal. Shaw opposed the motion, citing financial implications that should be considered.

The decision, made during committee of the whole, will still need to be ratified during regular council.

reporter@peninsulanewsreview.com