Mixed-use development gets green light following months of debate

Leila North

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/01/2024 (724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Lord Selkirk-West Kildonan community committee held its first meeting of the new year on Jan. 4.

During the public hearing, a combined subdivision, rezoning, conditional use and variance application for 1245-1255 Court Ave. was approved by the committee, which would see the land rezoned from single-family to residential mixed use. The proposed development would include commercial units at the ground level, with three floors of residential above, with 88 parking spaces and an outdoor patio space outside the westerly-most commercial unit.

The application was first discussed during the committee’s Sept. 7, 2023 meeting and again on Oct. 24, but was adjourned to allow the developer to undertake more public engagement after a number of area residents expressed concerns about a perceived lack of parking and increased traffic volumes.

Eddie Calisto-Tavares, a local resident, opposed the proposal, claiming that commercial development was not needed in the area. Nobody else spoke in opposition, though the committee did receive a number of written submissions opposing the project.

“Change is never easy,” Coun. Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan) said in support of the application. “I believe folks are looking for these amenities, especially in an area like this, where there is a gap currently.”

Sharma also noted the plan contributes to a more walkable community.

A number of conditions were applied by the committee, including reduced hours of operation for any restaurant or café operating out of the commercial space, among others. Final plans must be approved by the committee before construction can begin.

During the regular meeting, an honorary street name, designating Machray Avenue between Main and Emslie streets as Wayne Walker Way, was approved. The honorary signage will be in place for five years, once installed.

A motion calling for a traffic study on McPhillips Street at Templeton Avenue, owing to increased traffic volumes from new developments in the area, was also approved.

An extension of time was also granted for the closure of the Oak Point Highway between 200 and 250 Oak Point Hwy. until Nov. 27.

An occasional liquor permit for the Soca Reggae Festival, which will run July 5 and 6 at Old Market Square, was also approved.