By Madeline Baker, Times Chronicle
Two of the three recent rezoning amendments that seek to provide more available housing in Osoyoos have now been approved, with Oleander Drive joining Spartan Drive as a site of incoming housing developments.
At their June 28 meeting, Osoyoos town council voted in favour of subdividing 4008 Oleander Drive into two small residential lots, creating new space for a single-family dwelling to be built. The application had its first and second readings on May 10 and a public hearing was held on May 24.
While one resident of the area expressed concerns about their view and privacy if a second house was built on the lot, applicant Herb Wycherly’s plans to update the existing home on the property addressed and solved those concerns and his application received its third reading at the end of the public hearing.
“The use and size of the new lots is supported through policies in the Town’s [official community plan],” planning technician Leah Curtis said in support of approving the amendment itself. “The proposed development is in keeping with the spirit of the OCP and the new subdivision will contribute to the housing stock demand in the Town.”
A third rezoning amendment that seeks to change a portion of Lakeshore Drive from commercial tourist to high-density residential received its third reading on May 24 but has yet to be brought before council for adoption.
Now that the zoning amendment for Oleander Drive has been adopted, Wycherly is free to partner with a contractor and they can apply together for a building permit.
