As part of the process to go forward with a large multi-unit rental project, City of Powell River received a report and gave second reading unanimous approval for bylaw amendments at the final meeting for the last council on October 18.
As originally presented to the city, the two buildings will bring 112 rental suites onto the market as part of a multi-phase development on 17 acres, including duplexes and the two apartment buildings.
City councillor Maggie Hathaway, who held the housing portfolio on the last council, said she was delighted to see this project moving forward.
“It's going to fill a huge gap in our housing. We’re lacking this particular type of housing and 15 per cent of those units will be truly affordable housing,” said Hathaway, adding that affordable housing is measured as 30 per cent of a person's income.
Hathaway said the developer receives a high-density bonus where they get to build some extra units, and in return, provide 15 per cent of the 112 units as affordable housing.
However, the developer has to first enter into a housing agreement. City staff will not take the bylaw amendment beyond third reading unless an executed document is received, holding the developers to build the number of units that are being proposed. If they just want to do market rentals, they lose the opportunity to increase the number of additional units, according to city director of planning services Thomas Knight.
“If the proposal would have been just a higher density multiple residential development entirely focused on market rentals, staff would have in all likelihood not supported the proposed location or the level of density now being considered,” said Knight.
Cedar Creek developer Isador Hawryluk said the company continues to work with the city to move such a complex and large project along.
The development is located near the Manson Avenue extension and Westview Avenue.
“We're designing it and we have all of the consultants working on it,” said Hawryluk. “As soon as we get approvals to move to the next step, that's what we're doing.”
Hawryluk added that construction will not begin until spring, when good weather arrives.
As part of the plan, the city agreed to a parkland exchange with the developer.
“There will be no park space loss,” said city councillor Rob Southcott. “It will just be simply rearranged to accommodate this particular development.”
Called an alternative approval process, all 10,671 electors in Powell River had the opportunity to oppose the bylaw. If 10 per cent (1,067) or more were against, then the development was dead in the water, according to city clerk Chris Jackson. There were four in total.
The city will be scheduling an opportunity for public hearings as amendments proceed through to third reading. Council's approval of development permits is also required before building begins.
Council gave subdivision approval, which is required before final adoption of a change in the city’s Official Sustainable Community Plan from low density residential to residential medium density, and to allow the two apartment buildings to be put in that area.
There is also a requirement to register the building to be equipped with solar and electric-vehicle-ready features, and a voluntary contribution to the affordable housing reserve.
