Residents are raising concerns over a proposed zoning bylaw amendment that would allow up to 10 residential units on a lot in the 1800 block of Eighth Avenue East.
Housing in Prince Rupert has become harder over the past few years. As more industrial jobs are required due to the expansion of the port and its services, more people have been seeking housing accommodations in Prince Rupert. As more people seek residence in Prince Rupert, availability drops and residential projects can’t keep up with the demand.
To combat the housing crisis, Prince Rupert city council was seeking input from the public on amending a zoning bylaw to allow six to 10 new residential units to be built on a lot of the 1800 block of Eighth Avenue East. Residents were given the opportunity to provide their feedback to the city. A neighbor to the lot said he is concerned about the parking situation.
“Parking is a big issue. I think because of the lack of road and sidewalks and the road actually has half of a lane is missing and there’s no sidewalks or curbs on either side. for the proposal of 10 two-bedroom units I think parking will become an issue there.”
Project proponent François Dagenais Côté responded to concerns by saying he plans to provide a minimum of nine parking spots.
“In regards to the parking argument, we will provide a minimum of of nine units. The plan is to build the nine units and we will provide one unit per suite which is the requirement with the RM2 zoning. Right now the plans that I got it would be for six two-bedrooms and three one-bedroom. So, I’m actually hoping to fit more space like up to 15 units and that would be one space per bedroom. All those spots there will be a minimum of nine spots and up to 15 spots on the property itself,” said Dagenais Cote.
After the community’s concerns were heard the bylaw amendment was brought to council for debate where councillor Barry Cunningham echoed the community’s concerns.
“You know, I’m very familiar with that lot. It’s very unusual shaped lot. And if it was most of the building was at the back of the lot, I don’t know how, you know, you’d have to go there on a sunny day to see what impact it would have. But, uh, I am concerned about traffic volume on that street. It’s very narrow in places and uh I don’t know how you can widen that street,” said Cunningham.
Councillor Nick Adey made a motion to table the bill for a later date so the community and proponent could engage in meaningful discussion and attempt to find a solution that benefits everyone. The motion was seconded by councillor Cunningham.
The matter will be reintroduced at Monday’s, Dec. 8, regular council meeting.
