India Avenue housing proposal moves forward to Public Hearing stage

Mr. Geoff Greenwell provided
City Council with an update on his
India Avenue housing proposal

Prince Rupert council received an update from the proponent of a proposed housing development on the east side of the city, as Geoff Greenwell from the  2 G  Group provided a short overview of the steps he has taken to this point to move his project further ahead.

Mr. Greenwell outlined the nature of his plans for the old Bethel Baptist Church, which should he receive the approval of council, will be turned into upscale housing known as the Mountain View Executive Estates.  A seventeen unit housing project that is designed to try and reduce the crunch on housing that might come from increased economic development in the city.

He outlined the nature of the housing in question and addressed a number of concerns from Council members regarding some of the past issues that had been noted about the proposed development.

Among those concerns, issues related to parking and the designation of the project as a boarding house, which as he explained was more the nature of the city's zoning designation than a definition of the proposed development.

You can get a wider overview of his presentation from our City Council timeline feature, as well you can watch the presentation to Council from the City's Video Archive  it starts at the 29 minute make and continues until the 43 minute point.



Later in the Council session, Council heard from the City Planner Zeno Krekic, who provided his final review of the process, making note of his observations on the property in question with his recommendation that, should it should go to the Public Hearing phase once the proponent addresses a few concerns from the Engineering department.

Councillor Thorkelson added one final observation to the process, noting that her earlier concerns regarding the nature of the housing to be created had been satisfied, as she no longer was worried that the project could at some point fall into disrepair.  She noted that at the price point that the proponent had set (1800-2500 per month for rent) she believes that the building would be well maintained into the future.

You can review all of those discussion points from the City's Video archive from the 1 hour eighteen minute mark, the conversation continues on for about ten minutes.

Council in the end voted to approve the second reading of the bylaw and move the process to a Public Hearing, that will taken place prior to the April 27th Council session, schedule to start at 7 PM.

For more items related to Housing in the community see our archive page here.

Additional items from City Council discussions can be found on our archive page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Despite concerns from School District 52, Prince Rupert Council moves Quickload Terminals rezoning forward

On Monday Council moved forward
the process for zoning changes
required for the old
Canadian Freightways yard

The prospect of Quickload Terminals setting up shop in the old Canadian Freightways yard off of Frederick Street moved a step closer on Monday evening as City Council, after hearing a number of presentations in a Public hearing, voted to move ahead with rezoning of the property to allow for Quickload's operations.

The process of that approval started with the Public Hearing, a thirty minute session where those in favour of the project, including the proponents and those in opposition to the rezoning had a chance to speak on the issue.

On the against side was School District 52, with Cameron McIntyre representing the delegation at the table, outlining a number of concerns that the School District has with an expanded industrial zoning designation for the site in question.

The bulk of their concern related to the impact that increased industrial activity on the property might Kanata school property, a process that the School District hopes to see come to a successful conclusion soon.
impact their attempts to sell the old

A delegation from SD52
outlined their concerns related to
a proposed zoning change for the old
Canadian freight ways yard

Mr. McIntyre laid out the objections of the Board of Education, as the first speaker of the public hearing, his observations related to the impact of the zoning change found a bit of a challenge from Councillor Joy Thorkelson.

She pointed out that if the City were to hold back on its approval of the zoning change it would be reducing its opportunity to receive revenue from the site, while the School District worked to come to a decision on some undeveloped land.

Adding that in effect, if the city were to do that, the School District would it seems be asking the City not to draw any revenue from the industrial property in question.

"Are you asking us to sit on our property so that as your property increases in value, that we are not going to draw value from our property"  -- one of a number of observations from Councillor Thorkelson related to objections from the School District regarding zoning changes being considered for the Canadian Freightways yard. 

Also speaking at the Public hearing were the proponents of the shift of Quickload to the Canadian Freightways site, with the group of four in attendance highlighting how Quickload wanted to remain in the Prince Rupert area, providing revenue for the city and offering employment for the city's residents.

They also noted that there is not much in the way of industrial land within the city limits to choose from, noting that the Canadian Freightways site is one that they believe is the one that best meets their needs.

It was also noted that on adjoining property was already zoned at the M2 level, so the impact most likely would not be much different than what currently is in place, the proponents also advised that they would abide by any City of Prince Rupert Noise bylaws and would address any issues with neighbours as they came along.

When Council turned to the actual mechanics of the Bylaw, they received a report from the City Planner who provided a short overview of the process, noting that the City was still awaiting some feedback from the province, so approval of a development permit would have to be deferred until that information was received.

In the end, Council did not appear to find merit in the concerns of the School District and voted to approve third reading for the zoning application.  With further movement on the issue to come when they are to look at the Development permit phase.

You can review the Public Hearing related to the proposed zoning change from the City's Video Archive it starts at the very beginning of the evening, the Council discussion and vote on the zoning issue can be found later in the evening at the one hour



A full overview of both the public hearing and council review can be found on our City Council Timeline feature.

The appearance from the School District officials marks the second time in recent months where the Board of Education has found itself speaking against a proposed zoning change by the city.

The School District most recently appeared in late 2014, expressing concerns related to a proposed work camp housing project on Wantage Road, at the site of the city's old dump lands.

For more items related to City Council discussions see our archive page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.

Council to receive presentation on Mountain View Executive Suites project

The 2G Group hopes to redevelop the Bethel Baptist
Church into housing units.

Council will receive an update on a proposed housing development for the east side of the city this evening, as Mr. Geoff Greenwell the CEO of the 2G Group of Companies appears at tonight's city council session.

He will review his plans for development of the property that currently hosts the Bethel Baptist Church on India Avenue, his project would see the building re-purposed into upscale housing for potential industrial development workers, with a long term eye towards use for Senior Citizens in the future.

The redevelopment plan would see the building converted into a 17 suite communal living facility, with a projected budget of 1.5 million dollars.  

According to information provided to Council, the anticipated rent levels would be between 1800 to 2500 in order to justify the investment.

The project which is identified as Mountain View Executive Suites, or Mountain View Retirement Home recently hosted a public information session for area residents

You can review some of his notes from the Agenda package for tonight's session, his item can be found on page 11.

For more on Housing issues in the city see our archive page here.

For more items related to City Council discussion see our Council archive here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Port of Prince Rupert seeks City's support in hydro issues related to Fairview Terminal

Port looks to increase use of
shore power at Fairview
(photo from PRPA)

The Port of Prince Rupert will be submitting a request for support from Prince Rupert City Council this evening, seeking the assistance of the city when it comes to Port discussions with BC Hydro and service for the Fairview Container Terminal.

The Port is looking to make its case with Hydro to provide for a shore power electrical rate for use of shore power services by visiting vessels at the Container Terminal.

Should the Port find success with its initiative with BC Hydro, vessels alongside at Fairview will be able to access electrical power.  Enabling them to reduce air emissions and Green House Gas concerns, improve the local air quality and reduce fuel consumption for the vessels in port while they are tied up at the facility.

In a letter to the City, the Port outlines it's case for the support and what their project is all about.

The Port notes that they hope to encourage vessels to access shore power through reduced harbour dues, the container facility will still require a fixed flat rage that would make the project economically feasible for the vessels that call on the Container port.

You can learn more about their quest from the City Council Agenda, the Port's background piece and request for support can be found on pages 15 and 16.

Council will consider the issue and advise as to their decision as part of tonight's session.

More on tonight's council session can be reviewed here.

For more items related to City Council discussions see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Council to hear of $200,000 improvement to Rushbrook Floats, as well as other Rushbrook issues tonight

Rushbrook Floats report to be
delivered to Council tonight

The long simmering issue of Rushbrook Floats parking and the condition of the boat launch itself will get another look over tonight, as Prince Rupert City Council receives a report from staff on the topic.

Council requested the report following the review of a number of concerns related to parking issues at lots around the city, with the subject of the fees charged at Rushbrook of much concern to a number of city residents.

At the March 23rd session of Council, the city's elected officials received a presentation from Mr. Wes Baker, who speaking on behalf of a number of Rushbrook Floats users outlined a range of concerns that they had with the condition of the area and the fees that they are charged.

Tonight Council will consider the report from City Staff which outlines the history of the Rusbhrook Improvement Area as well as the improvement plan for 2015.

Rusbhrook Floats
(Top Right of Map),
is up for discussion tonight

This year the City has awarded a contract to produce and install precast concrete panels for the ramp and replace the rip rap at the axe.

The cost of the work is estimated to be at around 200,000 dollars, with the full amount covered by the Rusbhrook Improvement Area Fund and not requiring funding from local taxpayers.

The next significant project for the area is the planned replacement of the mooring dock, that dock is nearing the end of its lifespan and the replacement planning will take place in phases subject to available funding.

Council will also receive the opinion of staff that the current set up for the Rushbrook Improvement Area is considered a success by staff, removing the burden from local taxpayers while charging those that use the facility.  With the pay parking considered an important element of the reinvestment plan for the area.

The report will remind council as to the nature of the fee structure in place at Rushbrook and the impact on potential improvements that changes to it may have on time lines for those improvements.

In its report Staff has recommended that Council re-evaluate the fee structure for 2016.

You can review all of the Rusbhrook report from the City's Agenda for tonight, the report can be found from pages 12-14.

For more items related to Civic waterfront issues see our archive page here, for more items of discussion from City Council see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

Rezoning review for old Canadian Freightways Yard goes to Public Hearing tonight

City to hold Public hearing
on the old Canadian Freightways
yard rezoning application tonight

Residents of Prince Rupert will have their opportunity to outline any concerns that they may have over proposed rezoning to the old Canadian Freightways yard, with a Public Hearing on the topic to take place this evening prior to the City's Regular Council session.

The need to rezone the land is required in order to accommodate a plan from Quickload Terminals to relocate their Watson Island operation to the CF yard just off of Highway 16 at Frederick Street.

We outlined some of that background in March with this item on the blog.

Quickload logistics has a redevelopment
plan for the old CF Yard off Highway 16

Tonight's session will provide Council with the opinion of the public before they consider the rezoning request , the issue will be discussed further as part of their Regular session this evening.

You can examine the work of the City Planning department from the Agenda package for tonight (see pages 17 - 66 ), included in the review a number of photos, diagrams and recommendations.

Should any resident have concerns about the project and its impact on them, but are not be able to attend tonight's Public Hearing, they have until 4:30 this afternoon to submit their concerns in writing either by electronic or hand delivered means.

For past items of interest from Prince Rupert City Council see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

April 12 -- CBC Radio's Cross Country Check Up -- The Mike Duffy Trial (What's at stake?)

Rex Murphy reviews the latest from the trial of Senator Mike Duffy in this weeks edition of Cross country Check Up, asking the question "Are you following the trial of Senator Mike Duffy".

April 12th edition (audio)