The Council gave three readings for a proposed text amendment to the zoning bylaw for a new supportive housing project in Cranbrook.
During the council meeting on Monday (June 22), an application from Cover Architectural Collaborative Incorporated, on behalf of the Provincial Rental Housing Corporation, was reviewed.
The application was to amend the R-6 High Density Multiple Family Residential Zone for the property at 217 16th Avenue North.
The vacant gravel lot, located beside the Community Connections Step Beyond Shelter, is currently used mainly for parking.
BC Housing purchased the lot in 2022 and plans to build a low-income supportive housing development on the site, in the form of an apartment building.
The proposed development would provide homes for people at risk of homelessness, along with access to supportive services such as medical care, mental health supports, and employment assistance within the residential building.
No public hearing will be held because the Local Government Act does not allow one for zoning amendments that are consistent with the Official Community Plan and support residential development.
Public notices were issued after the bylaw was delayed, allowing the applicant more time for public consultation.
The proposed zoning text amendment would allow supportive services as a site-specific accessory use.
The application is also requesting to increase the maximum number of units from 46 to 50.
Concerns have been raised around the area due to homelessness regarding RCMP complaints, increased traffic, garbage and tents being set up outside of city buildings.
“I think that there’s definitely a need for this, but I do have some concerns with the location,” says Councillor Graham.
“I look at the track record around some of these places, and we can look at the SROs that we’ve seen in Vancouver. In just a short timeframe, they become a different place from where they were intended to be because we build supportive housing, but the province doesn’t provide the support to the people that need the support.”
Councillor Lynette Wray says the benefit of supportive housing creates “positive ripples when we look at the RCMP and our healthcare system”.
“When folks have stable housing, they’re in a much better position to then benefit from other support services and to work on positive, healthy choices. So, I am fully in favour of this motion,” adds Councillor Wray.
Because the site is within 800 metres of Highway 3/95, the application must also be referred to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, and ministerial approval is required before Council can give final adoption.
To read the full application, click here.
Comments