A proposed zoning and official community plan (OCP) amendment to allow single-family homes along the St. Mary River passed third reading in Cranbrook’s council chambers.
If approved, the 10.22-hectare strip of land on the east side of Highway 95A would be divided into 12 riverfront housing parcels with one left under a ‘no build’ covenant.
Mayor Wayne Price said he’s satisfied with the changes made by Haworth Development Consultants Ltd.
“I think there has been a lot of due diligence from the developer. They met with our planning and engineering and met all the studies they were required to make and got all the approvals,” said Price.
“I think this is the least disturbance we can and by agreeing to this proposal, they offset something worse that could come in the future.”
The ‘no-build’ agreement means one lot will be set aside and housing will not be constructed there, but it can be used to build washrooms, a picnic shelter and other community amenities.
Mayor Price said the space is available and the infrastructure is already there.
“By in-filling out there, we are helping the residents of Shadow Mountain pay their way,” said Price.
“If we don’t get some development out there, the taxpayers in the core of Cranbrook will pay for the maintenance and ongoing costs out there.”
The current OCP has the property designated as Urban Reserve and Community Open Space, meaning there was no specific plan for the site and it would remain undeveloped until a separate OCP amendment is approved.
The proposal passed with a 4-2 vote after some pushback from Councilors Wayne Stetski and Norma Blissett.
Stetski said this riverside property is not an appropriate space for single-family homes.
“There’s lots of room in Shadow Mountain for 12 new homes, this the wrong location for that,” said Stetski.
“I think we need to respect our Ktunaxa neighbours and the concerns they have expressed with this development.”
Blissett said city council should take the St. Mary River’s downstream health and floodplain mapping into consideration.
“The City of Cranbrook has a terrible track record of looking after rivers. We have Joseph Creek as an example of everything not to do to any creek in town,” said Blissett.
“I think the St. Mary River needs to be protected. It’s a big river and the changes that can happen will also be big. I’m not sure we’re prepared for that.”
The proposal will be back for adoption at a future council meeting.
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