Kootenay Avenue site proposed for new 55 unit multi family residential development

Prince Rupert City Council will be asked to review a proposed
housing development for the Kootenay Avenue area tonight.
Give first reading  to a zoning change,  as well as to waive
the requirement for a public hearing into the property in question.

Another piece towards a solution for Prince Rupert's housing crunch concerns will be revealed at tonight's Prince Rupert City Council session.

That as City Manager Robert Long delivers a report and will ask Council for a first reading to a proposed Zoning Amendment for property on Kootenay Avenue.

As part of the  request, the Report will also ask that Council waive the requirement for a public hearing related to the property in question.

A removal of a public engagement step that  may not be welcomed by the residents of the adjoining McCaffrey, or Ritchie street neighbourhood, who will have to make use of an alternative process of expressing any thoughts towards the redevelopment plan.

The applicant will prepare a public information package for distribution in the area, with any comments on the proposed development can be relayed through the Corporate Administrator.

In the report, it's noted that the subject property is located on the west side of Kootenay Avenue between McCaffrey Place and McKay Street with the proposal that Lots 3, 4 and part of Lot 5 be consolidated into one lot.

The remaining portion of Lot 5 will continue to be used for social housing by the owner.

The property is currently zoned as “residential” in the Official Community Plan which is consistent with the proposed rezoning to that of RM2.

As the report observes:

There is a need for, and shortfall of, non-market housing with the City of Prince Rupert and this project would replace 28 existing non-market units with new units and add additional units for a total of 65 non-market residential units. This will be an increase of 37 units.

Mr. Long's report will also make note:

While the applicant has submitted a proposed site plan and building elevations, once the rezoning is granted, the owner would be entitled to change the plans and purse alternative development concepts permitted currently within the Zoning Bylaw. In order to ensure development occurs in accordance with submitted existing plans, Council may require a Section 219 covenant on the property.

It is important to note that subsequent to any adoption of this rezoning bylaw, the application would also require a Development Permit Application and Subdivision.

The City also observes that owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and in accordance with Ministerial order No. 139 that they will seek comments to be submitted to the Corporate Administrator: 

The applicant will prepare a public information package for distribution to the neighbourhood with an invitation for comments to be provided to the City’s Corporate Administrator.

All drawings above come from the City of Prince Rupert Agenda
for tonight's City Council session

In the prospectus for the development, BC Housing highlights how they will be partnering with Prince Rupert Indigenous Housing on the proposed development.

Should they move forward with it, Twenty eight residential  units in five buildings will be removed from the development site, while two relatively newer buildings containing 10 residential unites will remain on the development site. Fifty five new residential dwelling units in the buildings are proposed to be reconstructed on the development site. An amenity building is also proposed for the site that will include indoor and outdoor amenity areas and washroom facilities. 

A total of 65 residential units and amenity building is in the process of being created from the three subject properties. The mix of housing will include town homes and apartment units as well as space for 67 parking stalls.

You can review the full overview of what Council will consider tonight as part of the City's Agenda Package, it starts on Page 40.

For more notes related to this evening's City Council session see our Council Preview here, more notes on the Monday session can be accessed here.

A wider overview of Council discussion themes can be found from our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.