Prince George city council passed the first three readings at its Dec. 2 meeting for a rezoning application that clears the way for the construction of what the developer calls “self-contained independent living seniors’ community” in the Vanway area.
The proposed development concerns a 13.3-hectare piece of land at 7277 Bear Rd. located on both sides of Highway 16.
The property owner, 0751823 B.C. Ltd., wanted a 7.6-hectare chunk of that land to the east of the highway rezoned from AG: Greenbelt to RM1: Multiple Residential to build a series of one- and two-storey row houses with four to six dwelling units in them.
The land west of the highway, as well as a small buffer zone on the east side to reduce traffic noise, are to remain as a greenbelt.
Though the rezoning application was not subject to a public hearing, city council received three letters of opposition to the project from nearby residents who expressed concern about increased traffic congestion, the impact on local sewer infrastructure and the clearing of a greenspace that is home to wildlife.
A layout of the proposed development attached to the meeting agenda shows homes along two streets, as well as a trail between those streets and a “community amenity centre” with visitor parking in one corner.
Coun. Susan Scott praised the inclusion of a buffer zone of trees next to the highway as smart design.
Coun. Kyle Sampson said he had concerns over highway access to and from the development but said he would support the project at this stage.
Coun. Garth Frizzell asked about the impact to the area’s sewer infrastructure, which manager of infrastructure Deanna Wasnik said would be addressed in a servicing brief by administration ahead of fourth reading of the bylaw.
Coun. Brian Skakun said he understood some residents’ worry over the removal of green space, but said the city is in a development phase.
Coun. Cori Ramsay said she thought the proposal showed a good attempt by a developer to match the existing form and character of a neighbourhood.
Coun. Tim Bennett said it might be worth having a discussion with the School District 57 board of trustees regarding their advocacy around developments like this.
Because of the elimination of greenspace, he said he would vote against the bylaw at that point.
He was the only councillor to vote against the bylaw, though he did vote in favour of a motion asking administration to prepare the reports and establish the covenant.
The lack of a public hearing didn’t stop people from making their opinions known, though. At the back of council chambers, one audience member held up a piece of paper with the words “no to 7277 Bear Road” printed on it in bold type.
That same man was chastised by the mayor for shouting from the audience while Ramsay was outlining her view on the project.
After the vote, the residents and representatives of the developers appeared to argue in the hallway as they departed council chambers.
Now that the first three readings are passed, fourth reading will come up at council once a traffic summary and servicing brief are produced and a restrictive covenant preventing development on the portions of land remaining designated as a greenbelt is put in place.
