A section of Loewen Boulevard will look quite different with older structures being replaced by new buildings.
Steinbach City Council has approved a variance application to reduce the site width for a proposed multi-family development at the corner of Loewen and Henry Street, but denied a request to reduce the corner yard setback. Council also approved a rezoning application to change the property at 286 Henry Street from Residential Low Density (RLD) to Residential Medium Density (RMD).
Public hearings held for both applications
Following public hearings for both applications, council voted to allow a site width of 64.5 feet instead of the 75 feet required in an RMD zone. However, the request to reduce the corner side yard setback from 8 feet to 4 feet was denied.
Applicant Jordan Loewen said the proposed changes would help the development function better and provide slightly larger suites for residents. "We don't think it interferes with any traffic views to sneak up to that intersection," Loewen said. "But it's not a deal breaker for us, but we would like it just for basically the occupants' sake."
Councillor Jac Siemens supported the decision to deny the side yard setback variance. "We don't know future, we don't know," Siemens said. "Will we ever, in 50 years from now, widen Loewen Blvd? That home would then be 4 feet closer to the road."
Rezoning application approved
Council also approved the rezoning application, allowing the property to be developed as a six-unit, two-storey building. The building’s primary access will be off Loewen Boulevard, with additional frontage on Henry Street.
Mayor Earl Funk said the redevelopment will revitalize the area and aligns with ongoing projects nearby. "I think it's a great way to rejuvenate the area," Funk said. "And I think multifamily in this area works well."
Development positioned across from Steinbach Bible College
The proposed development is located across the street from Steinbach Bible College (SBC), where a major redevelopment project is underway. Loewen said that with SBC's plans to construct new dormitories, the additional housing units at 286 Henry Street would provide an option for families or married students who are not eligible to live in the dorms.
"Having a really close option for families that are coming to SBC, which does occur, will be a nice feature as well," Loewen said.
With the new SBC building and a new multi-family complex replacing old buildings at that intersection, Funk says it will really give new life to an older area.
Developer highlights existing medium-density zoning
Loewen said several nearby properties are already zoned for medium-density housing, and he noted that the proposed development would meet all required landscaping, parking, and buffering guidelines.