Osoyoos is getting three new multi-family residential buildings on Lakeshore drive, after an amendment to a zoning bylaw was adopted by the Osoyoos town council at their regular council meeting on Feb. 23. The development will provide accommodation for starter homes or empty nesters that are seeking to purchase in the Lakeshore Drive area.
After the fourth reading in last week’s meeting, council was relatively quick to come to an agreement on the bylaw amendment which changes the land use designation from tourist commercial to high density residential. The first reading for this amendment request happened back in September 2020. Alongside the amendment, council also approved the development permit.
The amendment will allow for a residential development with a maximum of 65 units now. Each building would be a maximum height of 13 metres, and would be developed with grade level parking.
“They may actually start on two or three buildings at once. They’re quite eager to get going and they recognize, especially with the completion of our Housing Needs Report, that there is a need in our community. So they are looking at probably two buildings at least right now,” said Gina MacKay, director of planning and development services.
The Housing Needs Report, which was completed a few weeks ago, reported the shortage of housing in Osoyoos, and the challenge of affordable housing for residents and seasonal workers.
Mayor Sue McKortoff voiced her concerns about the high level of construction present when the project initially starts, if they plan to construct more than one building. She said there would be a fair amount of trucks, dust, and noise, and in the summer time that area is really busy. “People who are down there camping or in their units may find it disruptive,” said McKortoff.
“We have thought about ways to address some concerns for the neighbours,” said MacKay, suggesting that the work crew could use 51st street to access the area instead of Lakeshore drive in order to minimize the disruption during the construction period.
Council came to a unanimous motion in favour to move forward with the amendment and development permit so that the construction of the project can get underway as soon as possible.
