A proposed comprehensive development zone, to accommodate up to 354 residential and assisted living dwelling units east of the Hilltop Inn, is proceeding to council.
An application for the rezoning of three Salmon Arm properties – 1930 9th Ave. NE, 1470 TCH NE and 1671 2nd Ave. NE – was received at the Monday, Oct. 21 city development and planning services committee meeting.
The applicant, Providential Developments Inc., wants to rezone the properties as a comprehensive development zone (CD-22), to support a medium-density development project. A conceptual drawing of the site shows 12 multiple-family residential buildings including one independent living building with apartments.
Application approval is subject to the dedication of a trail connection to the Turner Creek trail, submission of a traffic impact analysis and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure approval.
Included with the proposed CD zone is an increased maximum principle building height of 25 metres, up from 13. Staff explained this request is to accommodate development on "challenging topography."
Staff noted the site plan shows access to Highway 1 for emergency use only. Regarding the creek, staff explained the developer is working with the province to finalize two reports, one regarding the installation of culverts to prevent seasonal flooding and erosion in an area by the highway. A separate process is required for Riparian Area Protection Regulation setbacks from the proposed development.
Asked about a price range for the proposed seniors facility, Providential's Matthew Senf explained the focus to this point has been on property use.
"The details of a project like this obviously are broad and we need to put a bit more time into them," said Senf. "Right now our focus is just, is this something the city has an appetite for... once we pass that stage then we'll be diving into the detail that this kind of thing requires."
In response to whether the applicant was familiar with the city's new Tree Protection bylaw, Senf said "Our intent is to keep as much as the natural setting and greenery as possible."
Coun. Sylvia Lindgren advised the developer to review the bylaw.
While land use and zoning were the focus of the application, Coun. Tim Lavery advised further details about the proposed development to be made available before it comes to council.
"I recognize these are early stages for it, but that would be helpful," said Lavery.
Supportive of the rezoning, Coun. Kevin Flynn noted council has seen past development proposals for the property, "and in my mind, this is such an important piece of property that is not utilized to its best use, and the fact that riparian will be protected, we will get trails that are protected… I feel very strongly this is a good addition…"
Key to the proposed development, offered by Mayor Alan Harrison, is that the properties to be rezoned are dedicated in the official community plan as medium-density residential, such as what's being proposed. He noted an unsuccessful development proposal from 2006 was "high-density residential with two very large towers, and that was not valid at that time."
"How that looks and how it all fits, that will be something that we work on and I'm sure there will be residents with questions around that as well," said Harrison of the current plans. "But as far as I'm concerned, I certainly support the development suggested…"
Harrison confirmed there will not be a public hearing on the application as it is supported by the OCP.
The application received unanimous support to proceed to an upcoming council meeting.
