A substantial development of rental units in Sechelt has taken a significant step forward.
Sechelt council granted a conditional development permit for two buildings and a total of 109 residential units at 5535 Shorncliffe Avenue at its Feb. 21 meeting.
The design of Genaris Properties Ltd’s development proposal has recently realigned its road access in order to retain more of the surrounding trees.
In order for the development permit to be approved, three conditions must be met:
- The Zoning Bylaw amendment must be adopted, rezoning the area to RM-1. (Currently at third reading)
- District of Sechelt Engineering Department must confirm that the proposed road realignment meets the applicable requirements.
- District of Sechelt Parks Department must confirm that the proposed landscaping and tree protection measures meet the applicable requirements.
The approval of the conditional permit allows the development to progress.
Coun. Dianne McLauchlan asked if the new short-term rental (STR) legislation has any impact on this project.
Development planning manager for Sechelt, Ian Holl, said that the only STR component of this development is the penthouse suite, he explained that this is the same STR use the district has applied in other residential zones, and confirmed that it will be subject to provincial changes.
In addition to this, the amenity contribution attached to this development is that 11 of 109 units are set to be rented below market price following the housing agreement.
Mayor John Henderson asked what sort of water conservation measures were being considered, to which Holl said, “The applicant is looking primarily at doing water conservation through the landscaping by promoting native drought tolerant species and really trying to reduce the outdoor water use required for irrigation,” He added that the applicant did investigate using a grey water system, but found it would not be feasible.
The motion to grant the conditional development permit passed with councillors Darren Inkster and McLauchlan opposed.
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
