A development in Mill Bay will go ahead after getting final approval, but some area residents say more environmental studies need to be done.
Mill Bay resident Laura Mitic moved to the area for the wildlife and nature in Mill Bay and said while there are environmental concerns with any development, some residents are asking that the Cowichan Valley Regional District take a step back before proceeding.
“I think they should slow down and reconsider is never a waste of time when it comes to losing something that’s irreplaceable, especially when there are other spaces that’re more appropriate,” she said.
The new development will span roughly 150 acres and has the potential to bring new homes to seniors and other forms of housing.
While Mitic said she’s not opposed to development, Stonebridge South could have a negative impact on a “beautiful area” of Mill Bay.
“The area will be built on a riparian rainforest. There’s a lot of biodiversity and intact ecosystems,” she said. “And as a resident of this community, I feel a great responsibility to bring that into the conversation when speaking with the CVRD and developers to remind the community that something really beautiful is at stake.”
Photo credit: Supplied
Wayne Hopkins works with Merdyn Group and he said the project has already moved forward with some trees coming down in the area and although he understands the emotion impact this has on the local community, there are policies developers have to follow to preserve wetlands and the surrounding environment.
“We know this has created so much concern, but it’s very limited in its scope and was done with all the proper regulations and oversight,” he said. “The focus of phase one is to provide housing, but also to protect the full riparian areas of the surrounding creeks and provide other amenities and infrastructure that Mill Bay needs.”
Photo credit: Justin Baumgardner, VistaRadio
According to Cowichan Valley Regional District electoral area A director Kate Segall, the board and developers, are taking all necessary precautions to preserve the natural ecosystems in Stonebridge South and development would bring approximately 1,000 new homes to Mill Bay and stimulate the local economy.
“Our Official Community Plan (OCP) has development permit areas that protect water and environmentally sensitive areas,” she says. “These regulations can give people that sense of security that those areas will be protected.”
According to the development plan, when completed the area will include roughly 40 per cent of dedicated space to greenspace and parkland, environmental protections, and more than 100,000 square feet of commercial village and retail space.
It’s also expected to incorporate 1,000 new homes; including rental apartments, seniors living, townhomes and condos.
The Stonebridge plan has been in the works since 2006 and will be located at the corner of the Trans-Canada Highway and Shawnigan Mill Bay Road with the grand opening expected in early spring of 2027.
