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Rezoning Application No. RA461 - 1100 Cedar Road 1505 and 1605 Fielding Road and 1750 Rajeena Way (Sandstone)

Urban Sprawl City Council consideration on Oct 16, 2023

Background

This bylaw is for the Sandstone development, which proposes to build 2200 housing units in addition to substantial commercial and industrial space along Cedar Road. It is the development of previously undeveloped land (also known as a greenfield site) with environmentally sensitive areas including large stands of trees and wetlands. Virtually all major international climate, planning and environmental organizations strongly advise against greenfield urban development. Developing natural and environmentally sensitive areas is harmful. It contributes to climate change, as significant carbon is released by disturbing natural areas and by the loss of the natural cooling services that forests and wetlands provide. However, it was designated as a key urban node in the ReImagine Nanaimo plan, likely in recognition of the need for more housing and industrial land in Nanaimo. The development report identifies that park dedication will be a minimum of 36% of the area of the properties and supports reconciliation. However, due to the significant impact on existing greenspace and transportation, it is a climate step backwards, as many people living at Sandstone will need to drive to and from central Nanaimo and lost forests and wetlands take centuries to replace.

Item Description

"It was moved and seconed that:

1. “Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2023 No. 4500.215” (to rezone 1100 Cedar Road, 1505 & 1605 Fielding Road, and 1750 Rajeena Way from Rural Resource [AR1] and Parks, Recreation, and Culture One [PRC1] to Steep Slope Residential [R10], Highway Industrial [I1], Light Industrial [I2], and Comprehensive Development District Zone Thirteen [CD13]) pass first reading;

2. “Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2023 No. 4500.215” pass second reading; and,

3. Council direct Staff to secure the conditions related to “Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2023 No. 4500.215” as outlined in the “Conditions of Rezoning” section of the Staff Report dated 2023-SEP-25 should Council support the bylaw at third reading."

Votes cast ‘Opposed’ are labeled as 'Climate-Positive' for the climate.