Zoning Amendment affecting the Saratoga Speedway

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Update / Next Steps

October 2023
Bylaw No. 683 was adopted by the Regional Board at its meeting on October 17, 2023.

Background

An application has been made to rezone 5 (five) lots in the Black Creek area, between the Island Highway and Macaulay Road, including the lot on which the Saratoga Speedway is located. The proposal would enable development of the land with a recreational vehicle park, campground, commercial uses and further outdoor recreation uses. The proposal and applicable staff reports can be viewed below:

Application Process/Timeline

2021

  • May 10, 2021: Application/staff report is presented to the Electoral Area Services Committee (Staff Report).
  • Referrals to external agencies.

2022

  • Feb. 14, 2022: Electoral Area Services Committee recommends 1st & 2nd readings of the rezoning bylaw and approves a public hearing (Staff Report).
  • March 8: the Regional Board provided 1st & 2nd readings of the rezoning bylaw. 
  • March 15, 2022: the Regional Board scheduled the time/date/location for a public hearing.
  • April 6, 2022: the Applicant requested application be withdrawn.
  • April 12, 2022: in response to the withdrawal of applicant support for proceeding, the Regional Board cancelled the previously-scheduled public hearing (Staff Report).
  • May 9, 2022: the Electoral Area Services Committee again considered the matter and requested information from CVRD staff on its ability to regulate hours of operation in the absence of business licensing (Staff Report).

2023

  • June 5, 2023: the Electoral Area Services Committee considered a request by the applicants to proceed with the public hearing.
  • July 19, 2023: a public hearing was held at the Miracle Beach Elementary School.
  • August 15, 2023: the CVRD Board provided third reading of the rezoning bylaw.
  • August 16, 2023: CVRD forwards copy of rezoning bylaw to Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.     
  • October 10, 2023: Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure signs rezoning bylaw and sends back to CVRD.
  • October 18, 2023: Regional Board adopts rezoning bylaw

What is the Saratoga Speedway?

The Saratoga Speedway is a racetrack venue designed for motorsports that was constructed by the Oyster River Racing Association in 1968. It operated until 1978 and reopened in 1981 as the Saratoga Speedway. It expanded to its current size in 1983 and later began to also host other related entertainment shows.

What is being proposed?

The applicant has purchased the Saratoga Speedway and its neighbouring properties, totalling approximately 21 hectares of land. The proposal would see the northern end developed as a recreational vehicle park and campground. The remainder would be used for outdoor recreation use, such as motorsports and events. A new general commercial lot is also proposed fronting the Island Highway. An illustrated site plan of the proposal can be viewed in the staff report linked to above.

What is the existing zone of these lots?

The Saratoga Speedway is currently zoned Tourist Commercial One (TC-1) (TC-1, page 81) and the former sawmill area of that same lot is zoned Rural Eight (RU-8) (RU-8, page 56). The zoning bylaw classifies motorsports as part of the “Outdoor Recreation Use” which is listed as an accessory use within the TC-1 zone and is not a permitted use within the RU-8 zone. The proposal would allow “outdoor recreation use” as a principal permitted use over this area.

The area to the north is currently zoned Country Residential One (CR-1) (CR-1, page 52). The proposal would add “Recreational Vehicle Park” and “Campground” to the list of permitted uses in much of this area.

The area to the south is currently zoned Commercial One (C-1) (C-1, page 75). The proposal would rezone this area to allow for “outdoor recreation use” and event hosting with a smaller commercial area moved to front the Island Highway.

What additional permits will the owners need to receive?

Should the rezoning be approved, a Development Permit addressing the form and character is required prior to the construction of any new buildings.

Public Hearing - July 15, 2023

A public hearing was held on July 15, 2023 at the Miracle Beach Elementary School. All written correspondence received up to that date is included with the meeting minutes. Questions and feedback can be directed to the CVRD Planning and Development Services at 250-334-6000 or by filling in the online contact form.

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