Design
The Master Plan for the conservation community at Elkington Forest is based on the principles of sustainable development and traditional neighbourhood development. Living Forest Communities is applying for a Community Land Stewardship Zoning (CLS-1), which is a comprehensive development zone and would allow for a variety of uses, with the form and character governed by design guidelines and covenants.The CLS-1 zoning will allow each residence to have a home office, a workshop, or another form of live / work arrangement. The zone also allows each home to have an attached secondary suite for a rental unit. Both the live / work arrangement and the option of a secondary suite helps make living in Elkington Forest attainable for more individuals and families of diverse incomes.
The CLS-1 zoning permits the creation of a designated agroforestry area for the use of all the members of the community. This agroforestry area is in proximity of all the residential areas and can include small plots for single-family organic gardening or larger plots for harvesting non-timber products for commercial sale.
Also included in the proposed CLS-1 zoning is the designation of two areas for value-added manufacturing enterprises and small-scale industrial productions. These areas will be located outside of the residential areas and will provide employment opportunities for those living in Elkington Forest and the Malahat area. These industrial enterprises will also promote local economy and provide area residents with local options for timber and non-timber products.
Please click on one of the links below to learn more: Within the southeastern area of Elkington Forest that was partially harvested a decade ago, and where there are fewer sensitive areas, we are proposing that there be 77 new homes. These will be divided between three settlement areas: the Trailhead Hamlet, the Agroforestry Cluster, and the Ridge View Hamlet. The plan also contains provision for eight home sites (six new lots in addition to the two existing homes) in the northern 192 ha (475 acres) of the property so that future generations of the Elkington family can continue to live in proximity to the historic family retreat on Devereux Lake.
In total, the settlement areas and connecting roads will not constitute more than 15% of the site, or 38 hectares of land. A full 85% of the land will be placed in conservation covenants (plant and wildlife protection) and ecosystem-based forestry/agro-forestry operations.