District of Sparwood councillors have voted to approve the re-zoning of land to accommodate future multi-family affordable housing.
At the Nov. 3 regular meeting, councillors wrapped up public hearings for the re-zoning of the land at 400 Evergreen Crescent from parks and recreation to R-3 high density residential, with concerns raised by neighbours being primarily about the loss of parkland.
The parcel is on Pine Ave, and next to Teck’s offices.
District of Sparwood’s director of planning and development, Schaun Goodeve explained that only a small section of the parkland was being re-zoned.
“(It’s) not the entire forested area - just wished to clarify that point that it is a small, less than acre area (being re-zoned),” said Goodeve. The rest of the park land on the same block will remain as parks and recreation.
Currently, there are no applications before the district on building affordable housing on the site. In his report, Goodeve noted that the 2.3 per cent vacancy rate in Sparwood in 2019 “highlights the need for housing and accommodation” in the town.
“Through conversations with local organizations, developers, and businesses in the Elk Valley, there is a future demand for affordable housing in the coming years.”
The proposed re-zoning was approved by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure on Oct. 30.
Following the end of public hearings, councillors voted unanimously to support the re-zoning of the land.
READ MORE: New affordable homes coming to Fernie
scott.tibballs@thefreepress.ca
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