Lyonel Doherty

Times-Chronicle

Despite concerns from neighbours, Oliver town council is giving the tentative green light to a townhouse development on Lakeside Drive.

Council gave third reading to the zoning amendment on Dec. 13 after a public hearing where a couple of people spoke against the plan to develop 20 housing units at 6643 Lakeside Drive.

Variances include decreasing the front, rear and side parcel line setbacks to accommodate the development

The one-acre property is located adjacent to Tuc-el-Nuit Elementary School and Lakeside Resort.

Each townhouse features a double car garage on the main floor, living space and deck on the second floor, and three bedrooms on the third floor.

But Jim Shekula, who lives across the street from the property, expressed a concern about privacy, noting that eight units will be facing him

“There are too many eyes potentially looking right into the house; that’s my biggest concern.”

He also said the development will cause additional hazards for pedestrians and children in the school zone.

Shekula noted that he and other nearby residents did not receive any notice of the proposed development.

But Randy Houle, Director of Development Services, said notices were sent out three weeks ago. He also stated there is a big sign on the property and two advertisements in the local newspaper.

“We can’t control Canada Post . . . we sent out the notices,” he explained, adding they followed all the rules under the Community Charter.

Lakeview Place resident Neil Webb said he didn’t receive any notice either.

He also cited safety concerns, adding there are no street lights in the area.

Webb expressed dismay at the height of the development – three storeys, noting it will impact local resale values. Noise, parking issues, and more concrete also worries him.

Tracey Gourd from Lakeside Drive wanted to know how much the units will cost and who the developer is targeting. Will these homes be affordable?

Tony Giroux from Giroux Design Group said he stopped using the term “affordable housing” when townhomes started costing more than half a million dollars – a sad reality today.

He said their target audience is families.

Answering the other concerns, Giroux said they will be providing more parking stalls than required.

“I don’t see parking as an issue.”

He noted the homes will have flat roofs and will only be 8.5 metres in height above street level.

Maple trees will be planted on the boulevard to offer privacy, he added.

Giroux said the concerns expressed by neighbours represent a NIMBY (not in my backyard) attitude.

He noted the lack of housing is identified as one of the biggest social issues facing communities today.

“There’s no question that providing housing will impact neighbourhoods but we need to be better neighbours than being just concerned about ourselves.”

Giroux said the development will actually enhance, not decrease property values in the area.

Town Coun. Aimee Grice said they have to look at what’s good for the community as a whole, adding the town needs rental housing for families close to schools.

“I personally get frustrated when I see negative comments from the community.”

She acknowledged that the lakeside is an affluent neighbourhood, but “that’s not the only people that it’s for.”

She reiterated that adding 20 homes close to the school will be a huge benefit to the community.

Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger agreed, saying Oliver needs more housing close to schools and amenities, “and this really fits the bill.”

Houle said the issue of street lighting can be addressed by the developer.

Fellow Coun. Petra Veintimilla said if the development is adding dozens of pedestrians to the neighbourhood, then street lighting is reasonable.