91社区破解版

The deadline for public comment on the city鈥檚 plans to allow denser development in single-family residential areas has passed, with a majority of submissions voicing concern or opposition.

鈥淲hile I support planning for higher-density new development, I鈥檓 concerned about 鈥榰nplanned densification鈥�,鈥� said Joe Iles, speaking at the public hearing held Monday evening.

In his Porter Creek neighbourhood, there are already six-plexes on lots that once had a single-family dwelling.

More developments like this will have impacts on neighbours, noise, traffic and increased use of the greenspace, Iles said.

鈥淩esidents of affected neighbourhoods need a voice in proposed changes,鈥� Iles said.

Riverdale resident Bob Gates said densification alters 鈥渢he very nature and character of this city.

鈥淐hanging single-family housing into dense housing 鈥� it only takes a house or two, but the spirit involved in developing a neighbourhood, from one neighbour to another 鈥� it makes it more than just one individual lot being changed in an area,鈥� he said.

Of the 21 written submissions received, corporate services director Valerie Braga said, eight supported the proposed amendments, six expressed concerns and seven opposed the changes.

Council will next deal with the issue at its April 15 standing committee meeting, with final approval possible on April 22.

Birds, not just people, should be considered as well, said Arlin McFarlane.

鈥淚鈥檓 concerned about the changes to site coverage and setbacks and (how the loss of mature trees) will affect bird populations downtown.鈥�

While the downtown resident recognizes the need for increased housing, McFarlane encouraged council to take a 鈥渄eep dive鈥� into how the new rules would work against a 鈥渘ature-friendly downtown.鈥�

The disruption to neighbourhoods should also be remembered, said Laurie Young.

鈥淚鈥檝e watched our little city grow and grow; I want to better understand how these decisions are made,鈥� she said.

Her family鈥檚 business, in the 500-block of Main Street, has suffered from the loss of parking thanks to the Hyatt hotel under construction across the street.

鈥淭his went ahead without even a letter to us,鈥� Young said, noting that the loss of sunlight is a problem, as well as the parking woes.

Housing-related amendments to the Zoning Regulation intended to address the city鈥檚 immediate housing needs include:

Allowing up to four units per lot in most residential zones;

Enabling garden suites and living suites in all residential zones; and

Relaxing some development regulations.

The rest of the Zoning Regulation will be updated by March 2025, in support of the policy direction set out in the 91社区破解版 2040 Official Community Plan passed last year.

The draft rules, and more, are available on the website, in the 鈥淶oning Bylaw Rewrite鈥� section.