City holds public hearing

City of Powell River is holding a public hearing about a proposed subdivision of the former Max Cameron Secondary School lands.

School District 47 has applied to subdivide the remaining portion of the property, located at Joyce Avenue and Field Street, for future sale and development. In 2006, the school district decided to dispose of portions of the property and successfully applied for rezoning of the land to RM3, Medium Density Residential, PK, Parks and Playing Fields, C2, Service Commercial, and RM1, Compact Residential. In 2008, a phased, five-lot subdivision of the parent parcel occurred, followed by a six-lot, RM1 residential subdivision of land along Ontario Avenue.

To advance the subdivision, zoning amendments are required to match the zone boundaries with the boundaries. The city is requiring that a portion of proposed Lot 3 be rezoned from RM3 to PK, portions of proposed Lot 4 be rezoned from PK to RM1 and from C2 to RM1. The school district intends to divest proposed lots 2 and 4 to private developers for future development of multi-family residential on Lot 2 and compact single- and two-family residential on Lot 4.

As well, a development variance permit is required to vary the rear setback for the former gym, now used by Powell River Gymnastics Club.

The school district is requesting to waive works and servicing along certain lot frontages, as well as road design and construction for access to one of the proposed lots until the lots are further developed.

Park dedication is required for the subdivision to proceed. The school district has submitted a letter to the city confirming its intent to transfer one of the lots to the city for park purposes. The lot includes an area affected by the former Squatter’s Creek landfill.

The amount proposed for the park dedication exceeds the five per cent set out in legislation for park dedication.

The site was the subject of a site profile in 2005-2006 and the ministry of environment required a detailed site investigation. The ministry has provided the necessary release to allow subdivision and rezoning of the property, with a number of conditions upon further development of the land.

The public hearing will take place at 6:30 pm on Thursday, November 7 in council chambers at city hall.