FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION
What are Couverdon’s current development projects?
Couverdon is currently developing Elkhorn, a rural acreage opportunities in the York Road area of south Campbell River.
How many lots are there?
The Elkhorn opportunity consists of 17 lots ranging in size from 78 to 176 acres some with waterfront on the Little Oyster River.
What do the lots look like?
While final surveys of the individual lots will be provided to the buyer upon subdivision registration at the land titles office, approximations of lot line locations have been overlaid on aerial photos and can be obtained by contacting a Couverdon representative.
Will these be strata developments or fee simple?
Elkhorn will be fee simple developments meaning no monthly strata fees for the buyers of the lots.
ZONING & DEVELOPMENT
What is the Zoning? Can I build more than one house on the property?
The zoning applicable to Elkhorn is Upland Resource (UR). The UR zone allows for a number of different resource based uses and permits one single family dwelling per lot. Several lots within each development are located in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) which further defines the permitted land uses. For further detail on zoning, official community plan and the ALR, please visit the following links:
Elkhorn – Link to Strathcona Regional District Bylaws:
http://www.strathconard.ca/section_complan/content.asp?id=194&collection=14
Agricultural Land Commission – http://www.alc.gov.bc.ca
How much does it cost to clear a building site?
An access driveway and very generous building site has been cleared on each lot for the benefit of the buyer. Because of the size and unique nature off each lot, additional land clearing costs will vary dependent upon geological structures, vegetation, subsurface conditions and level of desired land improvement.
Can I sub-divide the property? Where do I go to make an application?
Local land use controls, which define property subdivision and minimum parcel sizes, are managed by the respective Regional Districts for the Developments. Additionally, if a lot is part of the Agricultural Land Reserve, then the Agricultural Land Commission must also be consulted for subdivision matters. Under the noted Upland Resource zoning, Elkhorn would require rezoning prior to any subdivision application. Please see the links above (in zoning question).
LOT SERVICES
Are the lots serviced?
Power and telephone lines front the lots at the road. Lot buyers will be responsible for extending these services into the individual lots. There is no municipal water or sewer in the area.
How much will it cost to drill a well?
Installation of a well will vary based on the type of well required, depth of the well, subsurface geological conditions and potential water treatment systems. It is recommended to contact a reputable well drilling company, who has strong experience in the local development area.
How much will it cost to build a septic field?
Installation of a complete septic disposal system will vary based on system specifications and site specific factors. It is recommended to contact a reputable installation company local to the development area.
TOPOGRAPHY
What are the soil conditions like?
The following publication: Soils of Southern Vancouver Island, J. E. Jungen, 1985, shows a comprehensive map referencing the soil types for the Elkhorn areas. It can be viewed at: http://sis.agr.gc.ca/cansis/publications/bc/bc44/intro.html
What is the topography of the land?
Elkhorn have a gently rolling topography providing several high points and opportunities for valley, mountain and distant ocean views. Other natural features include both rivers and seasonal creeks, which meander through the lots adding to the tranquility of the country setting.
HISTORY
What is the history of the area?
Elkhorn is founded in an industrious past as are most small communities in mid Vancouver Island.
AMENITIES
What are the area amenities?
Elkhorn are located in the beautiful Comox Valley and Strathcona Region, in close proximity to Comox, Courtenay and Campbell River. The area offers a variety of recreational opportunities including alpine skiing, cross country skiing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, salt and fresh water fishing and wildlife viewing.
Mount Washington Alpine Ski Resort, is located 20 minutes from Courtenay, in addition to their alpine skiing and cross country skiing in the winter, Mount Washington offers great hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding in the summer. Mt. Washington is known for its very high snow accumulation some years resulting in a snow base over 5 meters deep.
Strathcona Provincial Park is over 250,000 hectares, boasting such features as Della Falls trail to the highest waterfalls in Canada, along with world class hiking to other alpine lake destinations. Within Strathcona Provincial Park, Forbidden Plateau offers cross country ski tracks, hiking, camping and fly fishing. For multiuse and mountain biking trails, the Comox Valley has plenty near Puntledge River and Comox Lake. Comox Lake also features fresh water fishing, with both trout and char abundant year round. For those who are into more extreme water sports, Goose Spit Regional Park has some of the best wind surfing in the area.
Golfing is readily available in the area, with courses such as Crown Isle Golf Club and Storey Creek Golf Course in the near vicinity.
Saltwater fishing is a popular sport in these parts, with Campbell River known as the “Salmon Capital of the World”.
Wildlife viewing can be found at Seal Bay Regional Nature Park, where Sea Lions, Seals and migratory birds can be seen.
Transportation - Comox Valley Regional Airport and the Campbell River Airport have several direct daily flights to Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. Ferry terminals at Duke Point and Departure Bay in Nanaimo with traffic to the Lower Mainland are approximately 60 minutes and 90 minutes drive respectively from Courtenay. Ferry travel from Little River Ferry Terminal in Comox offers service from Comox to Powell River. These are in addition to the easy access to the Inland Island Highway from both Developments.
FINANCE AND TAXES
Who will finance these properties?
Elkhorn will appeal to financial institutions who specialize in lending for residential land and construction. Additionally, institutions like Farm Credit Canada, Business Development Bank of Canada and other local Vancouver Island based credit unions can be used for the agricultural business aspect and potential of these developments. Please contact a Couverdon representative for more information.
What are the Property Taxes going to be?
This information has not been determined to date. The property tax will be set when the lot is sold and is taxed as an individual piece of land. This will amount will vary municipality to municipality.
Is GST & HST applicable?
The applicability of GST and HST on the lot sales will be determined on a case by case basis by the individual characteristics of the buyer. More information on the BC Provincial Government’s Harmonized Sales Tax implementation for real estate can be found at the following link:
http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/documents_library/shared_documents/HST/new-housing-rebates.pdf |
