Sub Division of Properties

This Monday night, April 28, 2025, two subdivision applications—2757 Dufferin and 3233 Henderson—are scheduled to go before Council. There are letters regarding the rezoning of 3233 Henderson to create two lots, and I encourage everyone to review them.

Why is this Important?

Allowing subdivision applications to be excluded from the Official Community Plan (OCP) opens the door to rapid and unchecked densification—potentially at a pace and scale that undermine the planning efforts designed to identify where and how densification should occur for the benefit of our community and neighbourhoods.

Currently, properties can be developed into three, four, or even six units without needing approval from Council or neighbours. The issue with subdivisions is that they immediately enable owners to double, triple, or even quadruple the number of units on a lot—often without regard for the impact on surrounding neighbours or the broader community.

This trend resembles a “gold rush,” where the original intent of gentle densification—as envisioned by Bill 44—is being overshadowed by a rush for maximum development, often in ways that threaten the character, livability, and sustainability of our neighbourhoods.

I am not against development or densification altogether. However, I believe we need to pause and reflect on the broader consequences before allowing this unchecked growth to continue.

Get Involved — Your Voice Matters

If you haven't already, I urge you to send a letter to Council at obcouncil@oakbay.ca by noon on Monday, April 28, so your comments can be included in the meeting package.

A short, respectful letter expressing your concerns about the potential impacts of subdivision applications can make a difference. Your voice helps ensure that development aligns with our community’s vision and values, rather than being driven solely by short-term profit.

Sample Letter to Council

Subject: Concerns Regarding Subdivision Applications and Densification

Dear Mayor and Council, at OBCouncil@OakBay.ca

I am writing to express my concerns about the subdivision applications scheduled for Monday, April 28, 2025, specifically regarding 2757 Dufferin and 3233 Henderson. I believe allowing such subdivisions to proceed outside of the Official Community Plan (OCP) sets a dangerous precedent for unchecked densification in our community.

While I support responsible growth, I am deeply concerned that these applications will lead to immediate doubling or tripling of units on existing properties without proper consideration of neighbours or the broader impacts on our neighbourhood. This rapid densification threatens the character, livability, and sustainability of our community, and risks turning our neighbourhoods into high-density zones that are inconsistent with the vision of gentle densification outlined in Bill 44 or our Community Plan

I urge Council to pause and carefully evaluate these applications, ensuring that any development aligns with community interests, preserves green spaces, and respects existing property values and neighbourhood fabric.

Thank you for your attention to this important issue.