City of Powell River Council has approved a development permit and development variance permit for a planned multi-unit, mixed-use development at 6954 Alberni Street, owned by Al Austin.
At the March 27 council meeting, councillors considered the two permits after a successful rezoning of the property, which is 0.38 acres in size. It was rezoned from single-unit residential to CD5 (Joyce Commons mixed-use development).
Councillor Trina Isakson said she understood that public notice had been given about the development, and she wanted to confirm with staff that there were no concerns or issues raised.
At the meeting, director of planning services Jason Gow said it was understood that the city has heard nothing from the public on this matter.
Isakson said this was an opportunity to build more housing close to the downtown core, and the variance would reduce the number of parking spaces, which council endorsed at a previous meeting.
Councillor Rob Southcott said he wanted to express his appreciation for this variance permit, which would reduce off-street parking from 20 to 13 spaces.
“It probably allows for more dwelling spaces,” said Southcott. “It’s a trend that has been going on in the city here for some time and really represents where we are headed into the future, where alternative forms of transportation, beyond everyone owning a private vehicle, is becoming more and more the practice. I’m really glad to see this happen and I will support this, and the same principle into the future.”
Council voted unanimously for the development variance permit and development permit, subject to receipt of a landscape security deposit to the satisfaction of Gow.
According to a staff report, the proposed development is a two-storey, nine-unit development that will house both residential and commercial uses. The seven residential units range in size from 1,251 to 1,500 square feet and all have three bedrooms.
Staff was supportive of the variance for parking spaces because the property is located centrally within walking distance to several recreational, commercial and employment destinations.
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