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Re-zoning process launched for Headwaters Development
By Nowell Berg
On September 26, City of Kimberley council held its regular bi-monthly meeting.
Councillors Kyle Dalum, Kent Goodwin, Nigel Kitto, Jason McBain, Darryl Oakley and Sandra Roberts were present, along with Mayor Don McCormick.
An archive of the meeting can be found on the City of Kimberley YouTube channel. Watch it here.
Headwaters Development
The owners of 1400 Ross Road submitted a re-zoning application to the city that would see the 35-hectare parcel turned into a new single family residential neighbourhood.
The proposed land, above Kimberley Creek in Morrison subdivision, became part of the city with the 2009 annexation. At that time, it was expected the landowners would seek to have the land re-zoned from a mix of R-2 and RR-60, to R-2.
The remoteness of the site would require the city of make “off-site investments” in utility services and road access.
Starting off council comments, Coun. Goodwin said, “I have some real concerns about this development.”
He pointed out that city staff noted in a report the proposed development “conflicts with the OCP” in several ways. Given the cost of services and maintenance of roads, Goodwin believes the proposal would end up “costing taxpayers with no net benefit to the city.”
He concluded, “It’s a poor idea. It’s best to end it quick, rather than spend months and years of staff, council and city time.”
Saying that any details regarding costs and benefits would only be known “if we get the ball rolling and see if there is anything of concern,” Coun. Dalum supported the zoning change along with Coun. Roberts, Oakley and McBain.
Concluding council comments, Coun. Kitto said, “Its a local family who has Kimberley near and dear to their hearts and are sensitive to what Kimberley might need in the future.”
Council voted to support the first reading of Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2721, except Coun. Goodwin.
Housing Availability and Affordability Bylaw Adopted
Council unanimously adopted the Housing Availability and Affordability Bylaw. The staff report to council states the bylaw will “allow for a greater supply and variety of moderate-density housing types and sizes in all residential zones.”
Other changes in the bylaw will allow for increased floor space ratio and building heights in multi-family housing projects that address the growing need for more affordable housing along with smaller and more flexible housing options.
Commenting on his discussions with residents, Coun. Oakley said, “cautious acceptance” would be the general feedback he’s received. He added people have told him the city should use “common sense” when implementing this bylaw.
Mayor McCormick responded in a friendly manner: “common sense has been a hallmark of this council for the last four years.”
Pickleball Noise Causes Council Disturbance
Council received an email from Tanner De Bruyne regarding the noise generated from the pickleball courts at Rotary Park.
De Bruyne noted, “the sound of pickleball has significantly impacted our ability to enjoy the outdoors.” He further claims the racket contravenes the city’s own noise bylaw.
Responding to the letter, chief administrative officer Scott Sommerville pointed out that city operations and maintenance activities are exempt from the noise bylaw, and that, the pickleball courts are part of “city operations.”
Sommerville also wrote to De Bruyne that the city does not have other locations for pickleball courts, the city will not move to “develop new tennis/pickleball courts,” and the city will not ban the existing pickleball courts.
Coun. Oakley pointed out that council had provided funds for a sound screen and asked about its the status.
Sommerville replied that a “sound screen is in the budget for installation next year.”
Kimberley city council meets twice monthly starting at 7 p.m. The next scheduled regular council meeting is October 11.
Lead image: The site of the property up for subdivision. From City of Kimberley council agenda
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