A 2020 Vision for Stoney Hill

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1 A 2020 Vision for Stoney Hill Vision Statement Note: A vision statement is an ideal image of the future based on a community s values. It is usually a reach for the sky sort of statement challenging but achievable. A vision describes what we aspire to, not what is currently the case. The following vision statement answers the questions: What do we want Stoney Hill to be like in 2020? and What do we value about the area? It is derived from the results of the Stoney Hill property owners survey completed in May 2007 and is proposed as a basis for neighbourhood planning. Stoney Hill is a quiet neighbourhood on the scenic ribbon of foreshore and upland that separates forest from sea on the Sansum Narrows Peninsula. Embraced by a healthy, sustainably managed coastal Douglas fir forest and bountiful, clean waters, property owners have learned to tread lightly, mindful of the impact a heavy footprint would have on the ecology of the area and the well being of all. The strength and beauty of Stoney Hill is its setting. Its rural character prevails in close proximity to the more developed world. This is what makes Stoney Hill special and unique. The ruralness of Stoney Hill is demonstrated in meaningful ways. Lifestyles are connected to the land and sea. Self sufficiency is revered and good neighbours are valued. Privacy is respected and yet visitors are welcome. Residents feel safe. Recreation harmonizes with the natural environment. Development in keeping with rural zoning is anticipated, properly planned, and well managed. Solar and other renewable energy alternatives are supplemented by grid power. Roads and infrastructure are sufficient to ensure public health and safety without compromising rural character or the environment. Fresh, clean groundwater is abundant and treasured. Stoney Hill is secluded but not isolated. Resident and non resident owners have a strong sense of belonging. The neighbourhood is a recognized and valued part of the larger community. Property owners work closely with each other, elected officials, and municipal staff to achieve the goals of the North Cowichan Official Community Plan; in particular, sharing responsibility for preserving the rural setting, working with the environment, and building a strong neighbourhood. Stoney Hill is a living example of how homes are built, lives lived and sense of place preserved optimizing quality of life and surroundings. 1

2 Goals & Objectives Note: Goals and objectives are what we will have to do to achieve our desired future i.e., our vision. Goals are the general ends toward which efforts are directed. They answer the question What must be accomplished to realize what we want? Objectives are more specific. They answer the question What steps are required to achieve the goal? The goals listed below are the overarching goals of the North Cowichan Official Community Plan that apply to Stoney Hill. The objectives under each goal indicate the steps required to achieve that goal in Stoney Hill. Goal 1 Preserve the Rural Setting 1. Protect and restore the forest landscape 2. Prevent over development on the upland, foreshore and adjacent waters 3. Support road development and local improvements in keeping with the rural character of the neighbourhood 4. Preserve the natural landscape and scenic views in Bird s Eye Cove, Maple Bay and Sansum Narrows (preserve visual quality of surroundings) Goal 2 Work with the Environment 5. Minimize human impact on the natural environment 6. Conserve wildlife and habitat 7. Protect water sources 8. Integrate environmental and ecological stewardship in daily life 9. Protect the foreshore, intertidal zone and adjacent waters from pollution 10. Support low impact recreational and other uses of the community forest Goal 3 Build a Strong Neighbourhood 11. Link neighbours and connect Stoney Hill to the District 12. Ensure essential rural services 13. Develop essential rural infrastructure 14. Help protect and conserve historical and cultural resources in the area 15. Participate in decisions by all levels of government that affect Stoney Hill 2

3 Implementation Stoney Hill property owners will work with each other, surrounding neighbourhoods, the District of North Cowichan, and other levels of government to develop and implement a Land Use and Rural Improvement Plan for the Sansum Narrows Peninsula in accordance with the North Cowichan Official Community Plan sharing responsibility, resources, creativity and experience to realize their vision for Stoney Hill. The Plan will include specific actions for implementation and cost sharing. Some potential actions are listed below. Potential Actions Note: Actions are methods to achieve goals and objectives. They answer the question What specific measures or strategies are required to achieve the goals and objectives? The following actions are examples, intended only to illustrate. The actual actions required to transform our goals into outcomes will be determined in the neighbourhood planning initiative. Preserve the Rural Setting 1. Protect and restore the forest landscape Support integrated resource and visual landscape management plans for the community forest reserve Apply visual landscape management on private land Practice environmental stewardship on private land Encourage non timber forest uses on private and public land Work with DNC to ensure preservation of the Municipal forest land base. 2. Prevent over development on the upland, foreshore and adjacent waters Support current rural zoning (5 acres minimums) and density regulations 3. Support road development and local improvements in keeping with the rural character of the neighbourhood see Strong Neighbourhood below 3

4 4. Preserve the natural landscape and scenic views in Bird s Eye Cove, Maple Bay and Sansum Narrows (preserve visual quality of surroundings) Work with adjacent neighbourhoods and District of North Cowichan to ensure compliance with OCP principles and guidelines to minimize impact of development on viewscapes, sightlines, and vistas. Work with the Environment 5. Minimize human impact on the natural environment Encourage Best Management Practices (tools and techniques to minimize environment impact) for rural residential development (e.g., apply green building principles in house construction and infrastructure design) Apply sustainable forest management practices on private and public land 6. Conserve wildlife and habitat Maintain and restore the natural diversity and abundance of flora and fauna Educate and inform on conservation of wildlife and habitat 7. Protect water sources Safeguard groundwater aquifers and surface streams from contamination Collaborate on land and water stewardship initiatives Educate and inform property owners about septic field maintenance 8. Integrate environmental and ecological stewardship in daily life Educate and inform on conservation practices (e.g., Reduce, Reuse, Recycle ) Discourage non native, invasive species 9. Protect the foreshore, intertidal zone and adjacent waters from pollution Educate on the sensitivity of the foreshore and marine ecosystem Work with the DNC to ensure that development in Maple Bay does not pollute adjacent waters 4

5 10. Support low impact recreational and other uses of the community forest Support rural trail development for hiking, riding, cycling and non motorized vehicles Build a Strong Neighbourhood 11. Link neighbours and connect Stoney Hill to the District Improve municipal forest reserve road to a standard that will support community forest management, emergency services, private land access, and low impact recreational use. Negotiate access to Stoney Hill Peninsula. Establish a trail on the perimeter of the forest reserve to connect neighbours and reduce dependency on motorized vehicles; making the peninsula fully walkable. 12. Ensure essential rural services Support safe, year round road access for emergency vehicles Support road maintenance to a conventional rural standard. 13. Develop essential rural infrastructure Negotiate extension of BC Hydro power grid to supplement current solar and other renewable energy alternatives Support road improvement and maintenance to minimum standards [see above] 14. Help protect and conserve historical and cultural resources in the area Identify and record areas of interest 15. Participate in decisions by all levels of government that affect Stoney Hill Actively engage in planning and local improvement processes 5

6 As of September 20, 2008, the following Stoney Hill property owners support the 2020 Vision for Stoney Hill: 1. Colin & Deanna Eckford 2. Jelle Duyf & Debbie Rutzebeck 3. Bob & Lorraine Wilson 4. Sylvia Patey & Jennifer Barber 5. Reg & Cathy Strang 6. Steve & Joyce Parker 7. Dick & Hugh Owen 8. Kelly Nielsen 9. Pearl & Chris Stoker 10. Sherrill Rutherford 11. Stan & Lynn Homer 12. Margaret & Terry Lajoie 13. Sylvia & Tony Kasper 14. Casey Rippon 15. Bruce & Wendy MacPherson 16. Ken Merry 17. Heather & Phil Bertrand 18. Graham Hunt 19. Betty & George Beecroft 20. Sean Napier 21. Louisa Scott Polson 22. Craig Darling & Gill Pugh 23. Dan Sieffert 24. Andrew Duncan 25. John & Pat Fleming 26. Don Luke 27. Sharon & Bruce Berkey 28. Mary Ann Jennings 29. Terry & Christine Stamper 30. John & Barbara Sims 31. Doug & Roberta Baragar 32. Gord & Ellie Robotta 6