Council clears the way for new development in Clearview Ridge, despite resident concerns

The developer wanted to build 18 narrow lot homes in a cul-de-sac and a maximum of 40 townhouse units on a four-acre site located on Caribou Crescent, south of 67 Street.

Concerns expressed ranged from parking and traffic congestion, to child safety. Others suggested it could even lead to increased crime. A letter signed by 69 residents was submitted to the city.

Among the jam-packed gallery in council chambers was resident Lloyd Staples, who lives on Caribou Crescent.

He told council the city’s response to their concerns has been been inadequate.

He noted traffic congestion and safety, adding residents who drive the cul-de-sac have to pull in behind other vehicles so oncoming vehicles can pass, and vice versa, because there are so many vehicles parked along the road. He and other residents believe more development will only exacerbate the issue.

“You cannot tell me more density is a good idea,” he said.

“The community of Clearview Ridge is completely opposed to this development. The biggest reason why: years back, the city decided to build high density on Caribou Crescent instead of a place of worship,” he said. “The people feel we’ve already given our fair share of high density and have compromised with the city.”

Guy Pelletier, developer of the proposed project, said the area structure plan was created to accommodate the kind of housing being proposed.

Although he doesn’t see how the development could raise crime, he did agree it will increase traffic, but he said that was accounted for when the original NASP was approved in 2009.

“Given the time of year, we’re anxious to move ahead with site work this fall if possible,” he said. “These land uses are compatible with the existing neighbourhood and they’re needed in our community. The industry overall are moving towards smaller lots and more attached type products. As an industry, we’re trying to evolve to what people can afford to buy and the majority of that isn’t going to be single-family homes.”

As a result, councillors proposed several amendments including an amendment that would have changed the 18 lots from narrow lots to single-family lots, but that was defeated.

However, there was a successful amendment brought forward that proposed the site be zoned for medium density with a maximum of 40 townhomes allowed.

It was carried 5-4, and opposed by councillors Bruce Buruma, Kraymer Barnstable and Lawrence Lee, as well as Mayor Ken Johnston.

Brought forward by Councillor Victor Doerksen, he opined it would create some certainty and predictability for residents.

“At this point, we don’t really know what the product is going to look like and this gives us that certainty,” he said.

Mayor Johnston lamented the ‘rock and a hard place’ scenario council appeared to be in.

“Where I get concerned is dictating zoning, particularly a cap on zoning when we don’t know what the final product is going to be,” he said .

“Therefore, I’m not sure anybody wins at the end of the day. I’m not sure if the neighbourhood or the developer wins.”

by Ian Gustafson

Council clears the way for new development in Clearview Ridge, despite resident concerns

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