Briefs from the May 18 regular council meeting
Both conforming proposals received for the replacement of the failing Wakefield wastewater lift station exceeded the budget available, according to the capital project update on the meeting’s agenda.
Director of Engineering Kirn Dhillon stated staff were aware that the project was a priority for council and were “looking at every avenue to get this project going."
He said that included an additional grant application, and considering use of existing budgets, new grant proceeds (if received) and borrowing to raise the funds needed for the project.
Another alternative Dhillon mentioned was building the station enclosed by fencing and adding a full structure around the equipment at a later date.
28-unit apartment on Ebbtide makes progress
With a housing agreement and development permit approved at the meeting, spokesperson for Ebbtide Developments, Ray Nadeau, estimated that construction would start in August. He stated that they are close to having a building permit application ready for submission.
The housing agreement secures the project’s 28 units as market rentals. There will be no designated affordable housing units but the studio, one-and two-bedroom suites will not be able to be sold as strata properties for at least 40 years.
In discussion of the development permit, Nadeau pointed out that although project units were not fully recognized as accessible or adaptable at this point, the building will have an elevator and access ramps. The corridors and doorways will be wide enough to accommodate mobility aids. He stated that he is exploring options for the redesign of two of the ground floor apartments to be fully accessible.
Variance for Tyler Road property
A requirement to extend Page Road and related sanitary and storm sewer services was waived for a Tyler Road property owner applying to subdivide a parcel into two lots. Development planning manager Ian Holl noted that those extensions would be necessary if there is any further subdivision of the two lots created.
Coun. Matt McLean and Alton Toth opposed approval of the variance. Both said they were interested in seeing more than two residential opportunities at the site. “I want to see applications that are better for Sechelt. This one is not. We are not improving infrastructure or adding housing,” McLean said.
