Âé¶čAV council had much to say about micro suites at their Sep. 25 meeting.
They considered a form and character development application for a 240-unit apartment building planned for 1280 Sutherland Avenue.
Council was concerned about the number of micro suites (147), and the potential for them to be used as short-term rentals as the units will be for sale.
Coun. Charlie Hodge said he had asked months ago for reports on micro suites and short-term rentals and he still hasnât seen them.
âMy concern has been and remains that weâre doing an overkill. âIâm worried that weâre building, down the road, potential ghetto sites. That weâre going to create buildings that never get filled.â
Mayor Tom Dyas asked the staff if the developer considered fewer micros and more larger units.
âThe developer did confirm that theyâve identified the opportunity and the marketplace will absorb these units,â said Dean Strachan, community planning and development manager.
The project also includes bachelor, one, two, and three-bedroom suites.
Coun. Rick Webber asked if existing micro suites in the city were being used as short-term rentals or if owners were actually living in them.
âWe do have some statistical information around how short-term rentals are being used in the community that will come forward in the report to council in about a month,â Strachan added.
Coun. Loyal Wooldridge pointed out that there were a lot of positives to the development, including its large indoor and outdoor amenity spaces.
âI understand councilâs apprehension with micro suites, but I think theyâve gone above and beyond in terms of giving people liveable space outside of the units.â
Coun. Luke Stack had mixed views about the project.
âI agree that the amenities are very beneficialâŠbut I do remain concerned that about 60 per cent of these units are micro suites.â
He was also opposed to the units potentially becoming short-term rentals.
âThereâs a part of my gut that makes me think that buyers who are lining up to buy these have every intention of using them for short-term rentals.â
Coun. Mohini Singh added there is a place for microsuites in the city.
âBut I think we may have reached the zenith of the top of how much is allowable and supportable in Âé¶čAV.â
Mayor Dyas reminded council that the application before them pertained to the form and character of the development.
âIf there are concerns with regards to that, thatâs one thing, if not weâll just be looking at advancing accordingly more so than the other issue.â
Council did support moving the development forward, with Coun. Ron Cannan opposed.
READ MORE: Âé¶čAVâs Tolko mill redevelopment should have âquality of lifeâ: Councillor
READ MORE: Public adjustor reaches out to Central Okanagan wildfire victims