The island

Denman affordable-housing project faces water-assessment dispute

The Denman Community Land Trust Association raised concerns about the proposed water-assessment requirements for its seniors’ housing project.

The Denman Firestarter · reporting 2018-03-15 · compiled 2026-10-01

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The Denman Community Land Trust Association asked the Local Trust Committee to reconsider classifying its proposed seniors’ affordable-housing project as “Non-Domestic” in a draft water-assessment terms of reference, according to February 6 meeting minutes.^[1]

The association said the classification’s licensing requirements could add cost and time. It also submitted a development variance permit application and asked that it be considered at the March meeting.^[1]

A Trust freshwater specialist said the draft terms of reference reflected the proposed use of one well for eight dwellings on one parcel and an additional layer of risk mitigation, maintenance and operations. The minutes say the applicant reported that water-quality testing and conservation measures were already in place, while expressing concern about a possible 72-hour pumping test.^[1]

At the March 6 meeting, the committee approved a development variance permit for the project, varying the required subdivision lot width-to-depth ratio from one third to one fourth, according to the minutes.^[2]

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