A rezoning application to incorporate “oversized garages” in a development on Okanagan Street has received third reading and adoption by Oliver Town council.
Following a public hearing last week, council gave the thumbs up to the proposal, which was adopted Monday night.
Local businessman Ron Ethier is proposing to rezone 5830 Okanagan Street from low density residential to medium density residential. This will facilitate the development of a three-unit townhome property designed with oversized garages for the storage of recreational vehicles and equipment.
The applicant states this unique design is tailored for individuals who are looking for a residence with additional indoor storage space in the downtown area.
Ethier said these units will revitalize Okanagan Street and provide an alternative to housing in the community.
It was noted the subject property directly adjoins an existing cluster of medium density zones, but is adjacent to existing low-density residential neighbourhoods.
At the public hearing, a couple of questions were raised about the oversized garages, and whether they were going to be drive-through.
Corporate Officer Diane Vaykovich told the Chronicle that they won’t be drive-through, merely oversized in order to store recreational equipment.
She noted there were no letters of opposition submitted to the Town regarding this application.
Director of Operations Shawn Goodsell questioned whether the existing six-inch sewer pipe would be adequate if the zoning was changed and townhomes are built in this area.
Engineering consultant Steve Underwood said the pipe in theory has the capacity to service 45 homes. “It appears the sewer should be fine for the rezoning,” he said.
Wayde Bliss, the Town’s building official, commented that it may be tight maneuvering the proposed recreational equipment into the garages.
