Âé¶čAV city council has approved a zoning change that will allow for an apartment building at 3577 and 3581 Lakeshore Roadâdespite concern from one councillor about traffic congestion and neighbourhood fit.
City staff recommended changing the zoning from MF1 (Infill Housing), which allows townhomes and smaller-scale buildings, to MF3 (Apartment Housing), which permits developments up to six storeys. The applicant plans to combine the two properties and build apartment housing.
The developer must meet several conditions. The lots must be consolidated, and theyâll need to dedicate three metres of land for road widening along Lakeshore Road, plus an additional two metres for a road reserve. These steps are part of the cityâs long-term vision for adding a centre turning lane, staff noted.
But not everyone on council was convinced.
âI have expressed concern previously with the property south of the six story and the whole issue of our transportation plan,â Councillor Ron Cannan. âRight now we have a two-lane road. Weâve been trying to get a centre lane down the middle of Lakeshore. Havenât heard any update as far as the timing of that.â
City staff responded that there is a plan in place. In the short term, curbs, sidewalks and boulevards will be added. But building a full centre turning lane will take longerâand would require redevelopment of other nearby properties to obtain the necessary road dedication.
For this application, the five metres being taken from the front of the lots is a step in that direction.
Cannan still wasnât convinced the area could handle the added traffic.
âI just feel that this is too much for this area,â he said. âThe reality is that the vehicular back-up, especially the bus lane, is going to be too much of a bottleneck.â
Council voted in favour of the rezoning with Cannan opposed.
