Nowell & 4th

Precision Building Design Associates Ltd. proposed a significant amendment to the 2040 Official Community Plan (OCP) to transform four properties at Fourth Avenue and Nowell Street from "Residential 1 - Downtown Single Family" to "Urban Quarter." The development plan included a 7-storey mixed-use building, comprising 64 residential units and ground-floor commercial space, with the rezoning request shifting the land from R1-A (Urban Residential) to C9 (Mid Rise Apartment Commercial).

Despite some council support, the project faced significant opposition due to concerns about increased traffic, access via a single laneway, proximity to industrial activities, and potential disruptions to the neighborhood’s character. Citing the need to preserve the area’s residential nature and the importance of a forthcoming OCP review, the council ultimately rejected the proposal, halting any further development at this stage.

Key Concerns Raised:

• Traffic Impact: Single laneway access, increased traffic, and parking issues.
• Neighborhood Fit: Incompatibility with the surrounding residential and industrial areas.
• Infrastructure: Strain on the local sewer system and road congestion.