Affordable apartments on Main Street clear first hurdle

West Kildonan

Jefferson

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This article was published 04/10/2023 (744 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Lord Selkirk-West Kildonan community committee held a regular meeting on Sept. 26.

During a lengthy public hearing, a combined subdivision, rezoning and variance application to allow for a seven-storey, 72-unit apartment building at 1488 Main St. was approved. The developer sought variances to allow for fewer parking stalls than required, and reduced sideyard setbacks.

The proponent argued that the project is one that meets the needs of the neighbourhood, with 40 per cent of the units slated to be affordable rentals starting at $605/month, and that reduced parking — 48 stalls, rather than 86 required — could work, with the addition of a Peg City Car Co-op car on site and close proximity to transit routes.

Two neighbours registered in opposition, speaking to concerns regarding density, change of character of the neighbourhood, negative impacts on parking, and more. One resident registered for information, speaking to the need for affordable housing in the area.

“We do have infill projects in this and there’s always some controversy around them,” Coun. Ross Eadie (Mynarski) said in support. “This will stand a long time and provide affordable housing for people long-term.”

The project is required to come back to committee for final plan approval before construction begins.

A combined subdivision, rezoning, and variance application for the Aurora Phase 11A development on North Point Boulevard was also approved. The early 23-acre parcel of land, broken into 74 lots — 50 single family homes and 24 side-by-sides — also includes a park with play equipment and a right-of-way for the future extension of the Chief Peguis Trail. Each street within the subdivision would include sidewalks, with the intent of making a walkable community.

Nobody was registered in opposition. Plans for the park will need to be approved by the committee before construction begins.

During the regular meeting, plans for a new K-8 school in the Seven Oaks School Division, located at 140 Mira Gate, were approved. The plans are based on those for the new Amber Trails Community School, with some changes. The new school will also include a daycare, will be heated using geothermal technology, will have two paved basketball courts, and will include 75 parking stalls.

Plans were also approved for two apartment buildings at 75 and 105 Degrave St.