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<\/p>\nSales added the purchase would take the property \u201cout of the cycle\u201d of development applications, land use changes and other procedural steps.<\/p>\n
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Envisioned for the property is a mixture of recreation and housing.<\/p>\n
A nine-hole golf course, down from the current 18 holes, will remain, with the rest of the land used for forested parkland, walking trails and housing developments.<\/p>\n
What the housing looks like will depend a lot on past public consultation, as well as what the Town hears this fall during open house sessions directly linked to this proposal.<\/p>\n
Juggling the need for housing and recreation options in town, with the desires of long-term residents to keep Qualicum Beach\u2019s charm and character will be a challenge, according to Sales.<\/p>\n
He said much of the existing housing stock in the community is large residential lots, which isn\u2019t necessarily what people are looking for.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven from those people who say, \u2018yes, we want to pretty much stay the same because Qualicum Beach is a wonderful community\u2019\u2026they know that there\u2019s a mismatch between what our residents are asking for in housing, and what\u2019s available in the town.\u201d<\/p>\n
Any housing on the property would be done carefully and with purpose, \u201cin a few key areas\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not going to fundamentally change the balance of housing in the town or put huge demands on infrastructure or services, but it will make a difference to the people that we\u2019re able to provide housing for in a way that\u2019s maybe not available currently in the town.\u201d<\/p>\n
Money to finance the purchase will come from the sale of lands owned by the Town, and Sales anticipates they\u2019ll be able to complete all the steps without an impact on taxpayers or by drawing down reserves long term.<\/p>\n
One key hurdle to clear is how the property will be subdivided once it comes under Town control, and ensuring there is a united vision between developers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe certainly wouldn\u2019t hand over any lands until there\u2019s a clear vision in place and there\u2019s regulations to ensure that when something\u2019s built, it aligns with what our residents are expecting. It could be to the point of subdividing with design guidelines and maybe restrictive covenants.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sales added there is a possibility the Town will not complete the sale, due to public feedback or something arising during due diligence.<\/p>\n
If the situation arises, any money collected through existing property sales would be reinvested back into the Eaglecrest neighbourhood, potentially through things like long-requested traffic improvements on Country Club Dr. and Hwy. 19A.<\/p>\n
Small group meetings are slated to begin in August, with more widespread community consultation due in September.<\/p>\n
The Town has until Nov. 1, 2025, to complete the purchase.<\/p>\n
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