Cranbrook city council gave their first reading to a proposed Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment that could allow a new seniors housing development while creating new parkland along Joseph Creek.
The amendment would redesignate part of the site from parks and recreation to residential to allow for the proposed 12- to 14-unit seniors housing development by the Rotary Club of Cranbrook.
At the same time, nearby land would be redesignated as a park, creating a park corridor on both sides of Joseph Creek, including Rotary Trail.
The Rotary Club first raised the idea with council in July 2025.
City staff later brought forward the OCP amendment bylaw, which received first reading Monday night (Jan. 26).
According to the city, a separate zoning amendment would also be required before development could proceed.
City staff said the proposed housing site would extend existing medium-density development on an adjacent property, which is currently used as a gravel parking area near St. Mary’s School.
(Photo: City of Cranbrook)
According to the city, the proposed subdivision and bylaw changes support the council’s priorities and housing plans.
If approved, the subdivision would protect land along Joseph Creek, providing legal protection for the riparian area and a park connection to nearby Kinsmen Park.
The OCP amendment is the first step in the approval process.
If both the OCP and zoning bylaws are adopted, council would then consider negotiating with the Rotary Club on the proposed development.
City manager of planning Rob Veg said the proposal addresses housing needs while protecting environmentally sensitive land.
Mayor Wayne Price said the project would help provide much-needed housing in the community.
The city said technical studies, including riparian, geotechnical and floodplain reports, would be required if the bylaws are adopted and development permits move forward.
The proposal is set to return to council on Feb. 9 for second reading and to schedule a public hearing.
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