On Thursday, May 28, about 50 Shirley residents and concerned citizens filled the Shirley Hall to ask questions and comment on two proposed and controversial development applications planned for the area. Ender Ilkay of Marine Holdings Ltd has applied to the CRD to construct an RV park, resort lodge and multiple cabin development adjacent to the world renowned Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.  It was the third of a series of four Advisory Planning Commission meetings held in communities in the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area.

The proposed developments would accommodate 1200 people at full capacity giving them easy access to the Juan de Fuca trail. In comparison, the West Coast trail sees about 5000 visitors per year, and the proposed developments could bring a fifth of this number to the Juan de Fuca trail on a single day. 1200 people is more than the combined population of the surrounding communities of Shirley, Jordan River and Port Renfrew.

This idea would not have even been a twinkle in developer Ilkay’s eye two and a half years ago when the lands were part of Tree Farm Licence (TFL) 25.  Up until a January 2007 decision, these lands were to remain as forest lands in perpetuity managed as Crown lands.  In a widely criticized decision, then Forest Minister Rich Coleman decided to delete 28 000ha from three TFLs, and now that land has been opened up for sale and development by Western Forest Products (WFP).

Last June, WFP sold off the first parcels of land from previous TFL 25 to developer Ender Ilkay.  These parcels border the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, and in some cases the trail even crosses over Ilkay’s property. Ilkay has now applied to the CRD to amend zoning bylaws (which have yet to been passed) in order to allow for  a RV park, resort lodge and multiple cabin development that would see density 500 times that which is allowed by the current and proposed zoning.

Last night there were few voices that spoke out in support of the development.  Community members and concerned citizens raised multiple concerns about the proposed developments, especially that such an application was premature since the Rural Resource Official Community Plan (RROCP) and bylaws have not yet been adopted by the CRD.  It is this new RROCP which would need to be amended to allow for the proposed developments, and to many people in the room this application was 'putting the horse before the cart'.  There was also concern that this development would run contrary to the Regional Growth Strategy as this development is completely outside the Settlement Containment Boundaries for the area.

Furthermore, because of the TFL history, this decision could set a dangerous precedent.   If approved, the CRD would be sending a strong message that other lands bought from previous TFL lands could be developed in similar fashion.  

Other concerns about the development included; lack of amenities in the development area, as the developments would be 40 to 50 kms away from the nearest shops and services; limited water resources; the poor and dangerous state of Hwy 14; sewage treatment and runoff; impacts on wildlife; climate change and destruction of the wilderness character of the Juan de Fuca trail and the area known as the ‘Wild Coast’ in general.

It was noted that on the West Coast Trail where terrain is similar to the Juan de FucaMarine Trail, there have been close to 200 safety evacuations in the last two years.  There are no emergency services in the area of these proposed developments, as the parcels are outside the service areas of both the Shirley and Port Renfrew.

Mr. Ilkay did his best to answer questions and comment on the room's concerns, but throughout the night it became clear that there are some glaring oversights in the proposal.

An undertone of frustration, deep disappointment and concern could be felt throughout the room.  For these communities and other stakeholders who have lost so much in the last few years, holding on to the character of a beloved coast will continue to be a drawn out struggle.  It was heartening to see the community staying strong and vocal over this long haul.