Duncan Council Rejects Centennial Park Land Swap Proposal By Duncan Housing Society

There were two important items on the Agenda of the 13 December 2021 meeting of Duncan Council.

One was the matter of the application for a Temporary Use Permit to allow temporary cabins on the lot BC Housing has purchased at 610 Trunk Road. Duncan Council approved this Temporary Use Permit.

The second significant item on the 13 December 2021 Agenda

Here is the Agenda Item:

“5.2. Duncan Manor – Consideration of Land Swap

– Call for Statement of Conflict – Council

– Staff Report

– Applicant Presentation – Duncan Housing Society

– Public Comments (maximum 3 minutes per person)

Staff Recommendation:

That Council direct staff to finalize the land exchange agreement with the Duncan Housing Society for Council consideration, substantially as described in the December 13, 2021 report of the Chief Administrative Officer.”

Here is a photo of the land which the Duncan Housing Society proposed to obtain through a land swap with the City of Duncan in order that the Duncan Housing Society could erect a six storey building on what is now parkland in Centennial Park.

Here is the video of the 13 December 2021 meeting of Duncan Council. Discussion of Agenda Item 5.2 and public input starts at 2:52:38 of the video and concludes at 4:15:23. The Duncan Council vote on this matter starts at 4:15:23.

I note that Councillor Tom Duncan was the only member of Council who expressed support for the proposed land swap in Centennial Park. I also note that he did not vote when the matter came to a vote by Council.

All members of Duncan Council who voted cast their vote against this proposed land swap. In my view this was the correct course of action.

Here is a map showing the location of Duncan Manor and Centennial Park: