Pending servicing and financing, construction could begin by summer at the CAYET project at the junction of the Inland Island Highway and the Comox Valley Parkway, says Trilogy Group president/CEO John Evans.He provided a project update Monday at a Cumberland committee of the whole meeting.CAYET is a 700-acre, mixed-use development, described as a commercial hub of retail, restaurants, hotels and housing at an acreage once owned by Comox Timber. Evans expects engineering drawings to be completed by April, "though these dates have a way of moving." Financing to construct infrastructure is valued at about $50 million to service the land. Evans said servicing for water and waste management is proving to be a challenge due to a circular system, which makes it difficult to build in phases. Another challenge is the Ministry of Transportation's suggestion to incorporate roundabouts, not intersections.Despite the challenges, Evans remains "positive in a difficult economic environment."We're fortunate," he said. "British Columbia and indeed the Comox Valley are very well-received as I speak with people literally around the world. There is a recognition and an acknowledgement of the attractiveness of this region."He spoke about a "symbiotic relationship" with the village."While we don't always agree we can work together," said Evans, noting an array of items 鈥� such as the location of the BMX track 鈥� with a project of this scale."Our wish is that Village Park will be the best possible amenity to the village and to the community at large. We're committed to working with you."He said a major retailer that has opened in the Valley would have opened in Cumberland had rezoning been achieved in time. "But there are more opportunities, and I work daily on all of those opportunities to move the project forward," Evans said. The project has various components.CAYET Discovery is to be anchored by the Vancouver Island Visitor Centre while CAYET Traders to the south will be commercial space for automotive and mid-box retail. CAYET Commons is to include housing and possibly a destination resort or casino across the street from Discovery. Zoning allows for more than 1,300 residential units. Evans said Lot 5 was purchased to donate land to the visitor centre, which is scheduled to open April 1."We will buy the land at the moment we're in a position to begin to service, or perhaps before," Evans said in response to a question from Coun. Kate Greening. He said the Village and Comox Timber will discuss Lot 11, which is close to the edge of Maple Lake."None of what we control actually touches or is around the lake," Evans said. Linda Shaben asked from the gallery if Trilogy will take under advisement the fact that the "best known sustainable practices may not be practical to this little piece of our paradise."Evans said an "unbelievable number of engineers" are working with Village staff and their team. He also noted three principal water sources flowing through the property. A deal with the visitor centre, he added, would assure the preservation of land at Roy Creek. "I actually believe that today sustainability and concern for the environment is a very significant attribute in marketing the project," Evans said. reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com
