The Lions Housing Society’s Greenecourt expansion has passed second and third readings at Sechelt council.
The Lions are working with BC Housing to replace the remaining bungalow units at Greenecourt with a five-storey, 104-unit apartment block. When combined with the 65-unit Jack Nelson Building, it would give the Lions a total of 169 units at the property on Ocean Avenue and Medusa Street.
The Lions’ partnership with BC Housing calls for a housing mix of 20 per cent low income, subsidized; 50 per cent with rent geared to income; and 30 per cent at “affordable” market rental. The Lions have also entered an agreement with the Sunshine Coast Association for Community Living to administer six of the new suites in partnership.
Director of planning Tracy Corbett told council that while there was positive feedback and recognition of the need for affordable housing at a public hearing in late September, there were also concerns.
The major issues raised at the public hearing were the height, and the possibility it would cast long shadows on the mainly one-storey homes that make up most of the surrounding neighbourhood, as well as traffic, pedestrian safety and parking.
Corbett said the modular construction of the proposed building doesn’t allow a lot of leeway for altering the design, while staying on budget.
The height and increase in density require both a zoning and an Official Community Plan amendment.
Coun. Noel Muller said he wasn’t surprised that some people were concerned about the height, but allowing one extra storey was something he could support. “We know we have a seniors housing crisis in our community and to look at a building like this, where we’re giving a small allowance in terms of height, to me that seems like a very good fit,” he said.
Mayor Bruce Milne also acknowledged the need to balance the concerns of neighbours against the big picture of Sechelt’s housing needs. “When we weigh the long-term community benefit and the potential development in that area over 25 or 30 years, this balance errs on the side of community interest.”
The Greenecourt project still requires an adoption vote at council, which is expected to come at one of the first council meetings after the newly elected mayor and councillors are sworn in Nov. 7.
