One of Chilliwack’s densest neighbourhoods, award-winning for its urban design, may get even denser and some residents aren’t so sure about the plan.
The developers of a proposed apartment project on one of the last vacant sites in Garrison Crossing is asking city council for a variance to allow for increased density and to build to six storeys.
A public hearing to discuss the variance is scheduled for June 20. In advance of that, the developer planned an information meeting for June 14 to explain the proposal to residents (after The Progress went to press).
The proponent, Garrison Discovery Developments Ltd., is asking to amend the neighbourhood’s comprehensive development zone to build two, six-storey buildings with a total of 115 apartment units. The project will include 575 square metres of outdoor amenity space with pedestrian paths connecting to the existing city park on Market Way.
The density increase is not a huge ask as the current density would allow for 103 units. To deal with parking issues, the proponent will provide 193 off-street parking spaces within a basement parkade, which is more than the minimum required in the zoning bylaw.
The 575-square-metre amenity area also exceeds the minimum 200 square metres required for multi-family developments.
Still, even before the item hit city council for first reading at the June 6 meeting, a note questioning the project was posted around the neighbourhood asking people to send emails of opposition to city hall.
“The area is getting pretty crowded and more green space or another park is what is needed,” the unsigned note read.
The staff report to city council recommends supporting the amendment to the zoning bylaw as the project fits with the city’s 2040 Official Community Plan.
“The proposed text amendments are considered supportable as they are expected to result in a development that is compatible and complementary to existing surrounding land uses while also facilitating additional units and necessary housing types within a location that is close to a commercial core, public amenities and transportation.”
The public hearing after which council will decide whether or not to allow the zone amendment is June 20 at 7 p.m. at city hall.
@PeeJayAitch
paul.henderson@theprogress.com
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