By Lyonel Doherty
Town council is using its authority to waive a public hearing on a rezoning in the Tucelnuit neighbourhood.
On Monday, it gave first and second reading to a zoning amendment application for 313 Chardonnay Avenue.
The applicant is proposing to rezone the property from residential high density to residential low density to facilitate a two-lot subdivision. The intention is to build a single-family dwelling on each lot.
Since the proposed use and minimum lot sizes do not meet the current requirements, a rezoning is required.
Although council will not host a public hearing for this particular proposal, it endorsed a framework for conducting virtual hearings by videoconference during the pandemic.
Randy Houle, director of development services, said the application is consistent with the Official Community Plan’s objective including the infilling of vacant lots.
“The proposal will convert an underutilized lot into two new single-family homes in a desirable area.”
Houle said council can choose to waive a public hearing if an OCP is in effect and if the proposal is consistent with its principles.
He pointed out that a previous public hearing on a rezoning to single family was supported 12 to 1. A petition from the neighbourhood also expressed a desire for these lots to be single family.
Councillor Petra Veintimilla said she supported waiving the hearing but acknowledged the importance of the public having its say.
“I just don’t want us to give the impression that public consultation isn’t important.”
Mayor Martin Johansen said there is plenty of evidence to suggest that there won’t be any issues with this zoning change.
Council expects to give third reading to the bylaw on May 25.
