The city of Langford has now broken all the promises it made about the interchange. They promised to protect Langford Lake Cave, and instead they filled it with concrete. They promised to protect Spencer's Pond, and instead they filled it with filthy runoff. Now they're promoting more so-called 'sustainable' development along Bear Mountain Parkway.

Extreme winter weather probably contributed to the flooding, but planners should realize that climate change will bring more of the same. In this case, it looks like they cut corners in the hopes that we wouldn't get that much snow and rain. They based their water management plan on the climate we had last century, not the climate we
can expect this century. Watercourses along the Bear Mountain Parkway construction zone were diverted last year and streams that once flowed into Florence Lake are now dumping into a drainage pit (formerly a wetlands) below the highway. The drainage pit has overflowed, drowning hemlocks and small fir trees planted by the city last year to replace part of the forest it cut down. (See photo links below.) Ramps a half-kilometer long and
up to 50 feet high surround the pond with imported fill dirt and clay.  According to engineering maps provided by Focus consultants, the culverts are temporary and water will eventually be diverted further west. But how much damage will be done in the meantime?

Next week, the city of Langford is promoting more development on the Bear Mountain Parkway, directly uphill from the flooded area. An Open House hosted by the city's PR firm, The Tartan Group, promises "a sustainable community for Langford." The public event - 4:30 to 7 pm, Wednesday January 21 - will be hosted at the West Shore Ballroom of the Four Points Sheraton Hotel, 829 McCallum Road off Millstream. (See invitation link below.)

Jennifer Couvelier from Tartan Group confirms the South Skirt Mountain Development Open House is open to the public, and that "city councillors, developers, consultants from an architecture firm, an environmental firm, and civil engineering will be there so you can ask questions." She said a presentation will show community members what kind of development is planned so they can give feedback.