Although a few neighbours objected, a large-lot residential development proposed by Gary and Sharon Arsenault was given the nod by Salmon Arm council.
Arsenault applied to rezone a 4.05-hectare parcel at 2100 45 Ave. NE from A3, small holdings, to R-7, large-lot single family residential. The parcel, which lies between the Agricultural Land Reserve and residential properties, was recently included within the urban containment boundary and is designated low-density residential in the city’s new official community plan.
Following a public hearing Monday, June 25, council voted unanimously to approve the rezoning. Coun. Debbie Cannon was absent.
Arsenault told the hearing that he has been working on the plan for a long time and it would be a good quality subdivision.
Concerns of four neighbours were voiced, while four people spoke in favour, including the engineer working with Arsenault.
Concerns included: low water pressure on 20th and the potential effect of more homes; lack of a storm sewer and inadequate channeling of run-off; increases in traffic; increased noise from construction and residents; and loss of green space.
Civil engineer Tim Dunne said there are three ways to approach the site, so it’s not easy to predict which way traffic will go. Regarding water pressure, he said Arsenault will be putting in a water main of considerable length, and regulations prohibit impacting water pressure. He said Arsenault “has a passion” for recycling stormwater and will be using innovative solutions.
Two people spoke of positive economic impacts from the subdivision while one said it would be a good transition from the ALR.
Several councillors brought up the issue of run-off and how it would be handled.
City staff told Coun. Chad Eliason that the developer will be required to extend the storm sewer up to the 25-year standard into an enclosed system. Methods of handling any drainage coming into the site beyond that would have to be designed by an engineer.
Coun. Denise Reimer said she would be diligent when considering any future requests for variances regarding storm water for the development, as did Coun. Marg Kentel.
City staff told Coun. Alan Harrison that water pressure would not be affected. Harrison added that he thinks a required path separated from the roadway would be an improvement for people walking.
In reference to the path, the city’s Greenways Strategy identifies a north-south roadside corridor as a future priority along 20th Street NE from Lakeshore Road to 50th Avenue NE.