District of Sechelt council gave third reading to zoning amendments for the Sunshine Coast Community Services Society (SCCS)’s development project at 5638 Inlet Ave. following a public hearing where residents spoke overwhelmingly in favour of the proposal.
The 34 affordable rental units for women and children required amendments to permit a maximum building height of 22 metres, and to reduce off-street parking to one stall per dwelling unit and one stall per 45 sq. metres of the non-housing building space.
Prior to adoption, covenants are required to be registered on title to ensure that 95 per cent of the units are built to Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation universal design guidelines and five per cent to BC Housing full accessibility guidelines. The units must also be built to Step 3 of the Energy Step Code and a 1.5-metre sidewalk must be constructed along Lamprey Lane.
The staff report said a during the public hearing process a “significant number of letters” were submitted supporting the application, and several comments were also received expressing concern about the ongoing use of community gardens, which staff said was up to SCCS to take into consideration.
“I am ecstatic to move recommendations as presented,” said Coun. Brenda Rowe before council gave third reading.
Westcor
Council gave third reading to the zoning amendment for Westcor Lands on Jan. 20, to rezone one of its lots in the 5400 block of Mills Road to R1 so it can be subdivided into four lots rather than two.
Prior to adoption, the developer must pay $10,000 to the District of Sechelt as a community amenity contribution, half of which will go towards the affordable housing fund.
Staff noted that during the Dec. 8 public hearing, no one spoke about the proposal, and one letter opposing the amendment was received.
The proposal is separate from another proposal to rezone another lot to R4. That larger development would include 44 townhouse units.
