An interview with Dan Bowen
How was this property subdivision different from other projects you have worked on?
I have done several subdivision projects in the Comox Valley and this has been one of the most complex from an environmental and technical point of view due to the streams, wetlands and topography on this site.
What were some of the challenges with Mountain Spirit Garden Estates?
One of the most challenging aspects for this 47 acre property was the timeline because of the Regional District amendment to the bylaw for density bonusing. We had a tight deadline to work to and we met it!
The second major challenge was the Regional District and the VIHA's reluctance to approve development within the Comox Lake watershed area based on concerns regarding development impact.
We have provided a comprehensive Vegetative Management plan on over 30% of the property, an RAR covenant on the streams and wetlands and a generous amount of parkland.
They were so impressed with the new concepts they approved the development.
What are you most proud
of with this project?
The development of the property in the Forbidden Plateau mountain foothills with steeper that normal grades requires a different standard and offered many challenges.
The road access was designed to fit the topography and the storm water drainage was designed to fit the natural water balance model.
Personally with this project there is great satisfaction finishing the project on time and on budget, I would like to add I had great support from the owner Catherine Egan.
Project Design
Our Goals and Objectives for Mountain Spirit Garden Estates
- To promote environmental stewardship through the sustainable development of six unique properties on private forestland on Forbidden Plateau.
- To provide building guidelines for the development’s homeowners that supports the design of homes and property area which harmonizes with, and protects the natural landscape – i.e. Arts & Crafts, and Timber Frame construction design, and vegetative
and storm water management plans. - To support green building with the use of eco-friendly and energy efficient products and materials.
- To offer a community and park setting that is accessible to hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing trails, and other low impact recreational activities.
Project Team
Dan Bowen - Project Management
Dan Bowen Consulting Services Ltd.
Dan was born and raised in the Comox Valley and worked for the Ministry of Transportation overseeing numerous road construction projects. In the North Island District, he was the Senior District Development Technician involved directly with transportation network planning, highway development impacts and access management. He also worked directly with the approving authority for Subdivisions has processed thousands of subdivisions.
Now with his own consulting practice Dan works directly with clients in all phases of the development process. From the preliminary planning stage and the application approval process through to construction. Dan has brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise dealing with the public, contractors and the government to the Mountain Spirit Garden Estates project.
A long time outdoor enthusiast, Dan continues his interest in nature and exploring the outdoors as president of the Vancouver Island Paleontology Society.
Jeremy Green
Landscape Consultant
With over 30 years of gardening and landscaping experience, Jeremy’s current project is redesigning and overseeing the development of the gardens at the Forbidden Garden Retreat on Forbidden Plateau Road.
Jeremy is involved with the design of the landscape features at the entrance of the Mountain Spirit Garden Estates and along the new cul-de-sac Mountain Spirit Way.
He will also be available to assist new homesite owners in creatng their own natural paradise while preserving the surrounding sensitive ecosystem.
• ABC Printing - Signage
• Anderson Well Drilling - Wells
• Coastal Community Credit Union - Financing
• GAIA Environmental Consulting Services - Environmental Reports
• H20 Environmental Ltd. - Hydrology Reports
• Hoerburger Land Surveyors - Land Surveyors
• Kutyn Property Services Ltd. - Land Appraisers
• Myers, Norris, Penny - Chartered Accountants
• Stonehunter Studio - Stone work at entrance
• Swift Datoo & Company - Legal
• ThorConsult Ltd. - Project Engineer
Green Building/Development & Home Design Information:
Architecture in Balance - Tom Dishlevoy
Comox Valley Regional District
Feng Shui Consultant - Mark Ainley
Living Green Building Green Comox Valley
Terratek Energy Solutions Inc.