A zoning bylaw amendment that has caused some controversy among residents is coming back to city council tonight for up to three readings.
The bylaw amendment was first brought before council during its April 28 meeting but was tabled after hearing opposition from the public.
The proposed zoning amendment would permit up to four-unit residential dwellings as-of-right in R1, R1A and R1B low-density residential districts. This means four-unit dwellings would be a permitted use, subject to minimum lot size, parking and other restrictions under low-density residential zoning.
One of the main reasons the city is trying to pass the bylaw is because it is tied to funding through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund — in particular, funding for the Crescent View Headworks Facility project.
Members of the public have voiced concerns about how the bylaw amendment could change their neighbourhoods. Members of council have expressed frustration that they are being forced to change a housing bylaw in order to access infrastructure funding.
Also on the agenda, the Department of Operations will appear before council to discuss funding for a Transit Zero Emissions Vehicle Feasibility Study. The project is expected to cost about $190,600.
There will also be discussion about the provincial stream of the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, and council will be presented with the first-quarter financial report.
Three motions from Coun. Patrick Boyle will be considered, regarding red tape reduction, the city’s purchasing policy and a resident-first client services strategy. A separate motion from Coun. Carla Delaurier will propose that the national anthem be played before each council meeting.
In executive committee, the tabled 2025 proposed tax policy will once again be up for discussion. This will effectively set the mill rate for municipal taxes.
Finally, council will receive the results from the Winter Maintenance Operations survey, which closed on May 19.