A zoning amendment to support the construction of condos on three adjacent properties by McGuire Lake is proceeding to council.
The application is to rezone 631, 651 and 671 8th Ave. NE from R-10 residential to R-5 high-density residential, to construct a multi-family residential development. McGuire Manor Ltd. is named as the owner of the properties, while the agent is Salmon Arm developer Bill Laird.
The three properties are designated high-density residential in the official community plan (OCP).
Commenting on the application at the Nov. 4 development and planning services committee meeting, Laird said, "The goal right now is to find a developer who would build condominiums."
"We believe this site is better suited to long-term living arrangements than rentals…"
A single dwelling exists on one of the properties (631). Laird said this would be removed.
City staff noted the three parcels, when consolidated, will result in a .358-hectare (.885 acre) property.
The R-5 Zone allows a maximum density of 100 dwelling units per hectare, of 40.5 per acre, based on the gross parcel area (excluding parking and setback requirements, road dedication and other factors). The maximum density may be increased to 130 dwelling units per hectare (52.6 per acre) through density housing options such as the provision of rental and affordable rental dwelling units.
Supportive of the application proceeding to council, Coun. Tim Lavery raised the consideration of including bicycle storage and conduit for EV vehicle charging as part of future development. Laird concurred "Those two things are considered necessary amenities these days."
Coun. Kevin Flynn agreed the properties are a good location for high-density, "and I’m really excited to see what comes forward in the future if this is approved." He also confirmed with staff there would be no public hearing on the application because of the OCP designation and the properties being within the city's urban containment boundary. However, the final reading will be withheld subject to consolidation of the three properties as well as receipt of approval from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
