Couverdon, TimberWest’s real estate division, will be hosting an open house in Ladysmith on July 26 to talk about expanding the town’s boundaries.
Couverdon first approached Ladysmith council back in February first proposing to add 270 hectares to the town’s northwest section of town. They are now looking at 330 hectares.
The land, owned by TimberWest, would be taken out of Cowichan Valley Regional District jurisdiction and become a part of Ladysmith — to be developed and sold by Couverdon.
Frank Limshue, director of planning and zoning for Couverdon, said the open house will give the company the chance to talk to Ladysmith residents about the expansion.
“It’s to introduce the idea of having some of our land included into the municipal boundary, said Limshue.
There will be maps of the area for people to understand the land involved and they are also hoping to get an understanding of how the community feels about the possible expansion.
“Ultimately, what we’d like to do is work with the community on a longer-range master plan for the site,” said Limshue.
Such aspects as types of usage, residential, commercial and green space must still be discussed.
“The goal is to stay in keeping with Ladysmith’s sustainability vision,” Limshue added.
Couverdon would then work with the town of Ladysmith through the boundary expansion process.
Couverdon has been looking at some of its land and trying to find its best use, said Limshue.
Only a small percentage of TimberWest’s land us being looked at for development, said Limshue.
“In certain circumstances, because of the proximity of lands to the existing development ... there might be an opportunity to look at better use.”
The open house will be a drop-in at the Eagles Hall from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 26.
“This won’t be the last. We’ll be engaging the community as we work our way through the process.”