Retired geologist Fergus Anderson is rallying an alternative location for the controversial proposed development of Echo Heights.
Frustrated by what the Chemainus resident calls sloppy planning in North Cowichan’s bid to build on the 52-acre parcel, he decided to look at other municipally owned property in the area.
    Anderson has focused on 83-acres between River Road and the private M&B Haul Road. After surveying the property and drawing up a rough development plan, Anderson insists the “Southern alternative” has more perks than building on Echo Heights.
“Technically the area has the advantage of consisting of glacier moraine gravel,” Anderson said. “It is softer to dig.”
    He noted Echo Heights has a thin surface of soil before hitting rock, meaning all sewer and water pipes may have to be blasted into place. Anderson said his proposal would be more attractive to buyers as a large portion of the 83-acres has ocean views, with the northern and western areas facing a mountain view.
    Although the land is currently being treated as forestry land, Anderson said it makes more sense for the property to be zoned residential than Echo Heights, which already holds that title.
    “Echo Heights was zoned residential when nobody had any city plan at all,” Anderson said, adding his proposal lies closer to the new downtown envisioned in the Official Community Plan than Echo Heights.
    Anderson said the biggest advantage to his proposal is Chemainus would gain a park rather than losing one.
His plan develops a park through the lot following Mill Creek.
    “This would be a park of a different sort because it is flat wetland,” Anderson said.
    Anderson believes Echo Heights should be preserved. Unlike the 83-acres consisting of largely Maple trees, Echo Heights is a rich second growth Douglas Fir forest.
    In Anderson’s plan, water, sewer, and utilities can be accessed from three points — River, Caswell and Henry Road.
Anderson handed his proposal to North Cowichan council and hopes councillors will carefully look over the package.
    “I really don’t understand why they are so married to Echo Heights,” Anderson said. “I think they can do ever bit as well with the alternative 83-acres plus add a park for the community.”
    But councillor Anne Murray said Anderson’s idea won’t fly. She said council has looked at all the municipality’s available land and Echo Heights has always been slated for development.
    “Echo Heights has water and sewer stubbed right into it,” Murray said.
    She said there is always a slim possibility council could get cold feet about the project, however don’t hold your breath.
    “The majority of us are working to get this done,” said Murray.