This letter is in response to the Feb. 27 article ‘KAAC won’t back Kent’s Teacup properties plans.’ It has been shortened to meet letter word length requirements. Dear Editor:
As a professional agrologist and later as a Mayor and Councillor for the District of Kent, I was involved in all the teacup properties discussions. Following the OCP engagements of 2001, I voted against the removal of the Teacup properties from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) with the justification that the townsite should be infilled first and that the community support residential development on Mount Woodside.
There is a need for affordable housing for young families in the upper Fraser Valley. The District of Kent has a parcel of land – the Teacup properties – that would be suitable for that purpose. I now support the District of Kent’s process to prepare an application to the ALC to remove the properties from its jurisdiction for the purpose of residential development to serve the Agassiz townsite.
This location was selected due to its proximity to the existing townsite, encouraging compact development allowing for easy distribution of services. The natural highway boundaries protect against urban sprawl and development would have minimal environmental impact, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and encourages a healthy, active lifestyle as it is walking distance to the downtown core.
I encourage residents to keep an open mind and to review the updated proposal and provide feedback on our community needs. An information session is being held at 7 p.m. on March 10, 2020 at the Friendship House (7272 Morrow Road). Learn more about the proposal, the District’s growth needs and challenges, have an opportunity to ask questions and provide further comments.
Sincerely,
Lorne Fisher
Agassiz