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Westporte land up for discussion

The City of Port Alberni will hold a meeting to discuss the future of Westporte on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015 from 6–8 p.m. at Echo Centre.
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The City of Port Alberni will hold a meeting to discuss the future of a 68-acre plot of city-owned land in Westporte, this Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015 from 6–8 p.m. at Echo Centre in the Dogwood Room.

Duane Flory, who has lived in the Mary Street flood plain at Westporte since 1974, is concerned any large development will ultimately cause flooding.

“They want to tear it down and put in houses. We’re afraid they’re going to put more drainage in Lugrin Creek and flood us,” Flory said.

“We want some greenspace. There’s deer and bear and birds in there like you wouldn’t believe.”

Large scale development of the area would mean “there wouldn’t be any wildlife habitat left,” he said.

The city’s announcement of the public meeting did not specify plans for the 68 acres; only an interest in discussing “possible” development with neighbours.

Last March the community said no to a request from Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens seniors’ facility to lease them land where a park is presently located in south Westporte in order for the seniors’ place to expand.

One of the options presented for relocating the park had been an undeveloped area on the north side of the Westporte neighbourhood.

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