A zoning change meeting was held on the evening of February 20 at the Santa Maria Goretti community centre where members of the community were given the opportunity to hear architectural firm GMH’s plans to build a new structure is a block west of Jasper Avenue at 10438-91 Street. This was a follow up meeting based on the input from the community after the last meeting several years ago.

Currently, the spot is zoned as RA7 (low rise apartment). The proposal is to change the zoning to DC1 (direct development control) so that a 23 story 131 unit residential high-rise (the Odyssey) can be built. At the site there is a 1906 heritage house that has been left intact and incorporated into GMH’s plans.

The majority of the meeting attendees were condo owners from Jasper Properties, a much larger high-rise of the same height beside the proposed spot. The overwhelming response from these community members was disapproval for the new development. They objected to this particular building for a number of reasons raised at the first meeting, but were never addressed by GMH: that the building is too tall; too dense population-wise; and too close to all neighbouring structures. It was noted that the building would be 50 feet from surrounding structures and that the City’s recommendation for this distance is 120 feet.

Although the developer pointed out that the Odyssey would be comparable to other similar structures nearby, the community members pointed out that this proposed building was off of Jasper in an area filled with townhouses and low-rise apartments. Also of concern was the lack of sidewalks in the immediate area. Due to the spot being in a cul-de-sac, limited access in and out of the site for additional car traffic and emergency vehicles could put residents at risk.

Councilor McKeen pointed out that core neighbourhoods are changing and that density is an important focus for the City. He also applauded the community members for there engagement, encouraging them all to get involved with the Boyle Street Community League and to continue to be active citizens in helping to shape the future of the neighbourhood.

This was the last consult meeting. The City planning group will recommend to council that the project not go ahead based on input from community members present. This recommendation will not be binding however, and any further objection will likely result in a public hearing at a future date. Community members will be notified via the Boyle Street Community League of future dates and developments.