Castlegar City Council has approved a development variance and a development permit for a new 27-unit apartment building in downtown Castlegar.
The project is a partnership between BC Housing and the Castlegar and District Community Services Society (CDCSS). It will feature a combination of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom suites.
“We recognize there is a significant need in Castlegar for a variety of affordable housing options, including family housing,” said BC Housing in a statement to Castlegar News.
“As this project is currently in early development, full project details – including timeline – are still being finalized. More information, including about the building’s specific clientele, will be made public closer to construction beginning.”
Because the building’s residents will likely include vulnerable populations, BC Housing has asked Castlegar News to not publish the project’s precise address.
The city is going to allow the development to have a 21-metre frontage, instead of the required 24 metres. The odd shape of the lot makes it impossible to meet the normal frontage specifications.
They will also be allowed to build just 31 parking spaces, rather than the 41 spaces that would normally be required for the size of the development.
In its proposal, CDCSS said they did not expect the need for the higher number of parking spaces due to the location’s accessibility to downtown and the demographic profile of its prospective residents signaling that a significant proportion of the residents will not utilize personal vehicular transportation.
As part of the variance agreement, the developers have agreed to build a new sidewalk from the development to Columbia Avenue.
Plans also include indoor and outdoor bicycle parking, planting beds, gathering and dining areas, and a dog run.
A 1.8-metre-high wood privacy fence will separate the development from adjacent properties.
The permit and variance are scheduled for final adoption at the April 2 city council meeting.
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