3L Developments pleased with CVRD development decision

COMOX VALLEY, B.C. – 3L Developments Inc. is happy with a decision made by the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD).

The CVRD board of directors voted in favour of a “standard” amendment process as it relates to 3L’s plans to develop land near the Stotan Falls.

According to the company, the project would cover 525 acres of land, and see the development of residential units, parkland and trails for public use.

RELATED: Stotan Falls development proposal to go through standard amendment process

The standard amendment process specifies that the CVRD must include the districts of Nanaimo, Powell River and Strathcona to review the amendment into the Regional Growth Strategy.

“We are fully prepared to work diligently and co-operatively with the CVRD to work through this process and continue to fully engage the community and region as we proceed,” read a statement from 3L spokesperson Pamela Groberman.

“Our company has had a three-decade long successful history of creating sustainable communities that we want to create in the Comox Valley. Our commitment to this project began 11 years ago and over that period we have always followed the processes and never tried to expedite our project.”

Directors Larry Jangula, Ken Grant and Manno Theos supported the possibility of a “minor” amendment process, which would be quicker than the standard process.

However, the rest of the directors outweighed their votes.

“We know it is a complicated process and to date 3L has spent $1.8 million engaging a panoply of experts including engineering, planning, sustainability, ecosystems and transportation to arrive at an infrastructure we feel more the comfortable with and one that will benefit the whole Comox Valley,” Groberman said.

“We believe this project will set a precedent for regional sustainable development including new technologies, water treatment, roads and above all a new park at no cost to taxpayers.”

Groberman said the company was surprised at how many people attended Tuesday evening’s meeting.

Eight speakers voted in favour of a minor amendment, while four voted against.

The next step in the process will be for staff to bring forward a consultation strategy for the board’s consideration at its August 28th meeting.

–With files from James Wood