The May 1, 2018, report to City of Powell River council by the city planning department titled “Intensive Residential Development – Residential Small Lots,” should be mandatory reading for all residential homeowners in Powell River [“City to consider smaller lots,” May 18].
This report removes the final elements of control for our residential building zoning bylaws with a variety of new titles and categories, which means homeowners will have fewer, if any, control/expectations over the development of their neighbourhoods.
The intent is a drive to affordable housing and increasing utility infrastructure cost efficiencies. Both are topical subjects of importance for large, rapidly growing communities/cities such as Vancouver.
Proposed bylaws ignore the sacrifice imposed on existing homeowners to the look and feel of their neighbourhoods.
Three new proposed residential zoning categories, RS1, RS2 and RS3, with lot width of 32.8 feet to 49.2 feet and 82-foot depth, will be eligible for various combinations of a single dwelling with a secondary suite and a carriage house.
Bylaws are intended to protect homeowners with defined controls for development in community neighbourhoods. Powell River is changing/creating building bylaws at a frantic pace, eliminating the confidence the homeowner needs when purchasing a home.
Well-meaning councillors and staff must ensure they do not destroy the look and feel of our community, which is the reason why many of us have moved to Powell River. “Coastal by nature,” not, “Coastal, like sardines.”
Just a reminder, councillors are our elected representatives and the functional group to whom the city staff report. We do have a voice.
Paul McMahon
Invermere Court
