Spring Bank Development approved at reduced R7 medium density

Merritt City Council has approved the third reading of the proposed Spring Bank Development following a public hearing. The third reading was approved by a 4-3 vote. Councillors Melvina White, Mike Bhangu, and Adam Etchart were in opposition.

Many residents provided input during the public hearing opposed to the high-density R8 zoning. The developer was open to a possible amendment to R7 medium density and that was passed by the council. At R7 the property can be up to four stories, if the property remained unchanged the owner could build up to five stories tomorrow, without Council approval.

Comments from citizens were also focused on the need for a geotechnical survey of the land. City Staff confirmed that the completion of a survey is a requirement for a building permit to be issued.

“The geotech which is a concern, and I think its a very real concern. But its guaranteed (that the study will take place). The attorney general himself has said so, and if it doesn’t pass it won’t be built,” stated Coun. Kurt Christopherson.

Other issues raised during the public hearing included the belief that the development would lower property values, ruin the quiet scenic neighbourhood feeling, and their picturesque views.

Some residents were confident that the proposal would bring with it increased crime to the area.

“(Having issues with the development) does not give residents the right to judge the population that is moving in there. And i think that to our advantage to say we want to work with Indigenous populations and this is something that is really important to them,” said Mayor Linda Brown.

The housing is being funded by BC Housing and comes with the support of BC’s Attorney General and Housing Minister David Eby.

“As Minister Responsible for Housing, I encourage you to support this project and am writing to ensure that you have all the information you need about the project and its application for rezoning,” wrote Eby in a letter to Council.

“There is an urgent need for affordable rental housing in Merritt. The number of people experiencing homelessness is on the rise. The 2020 point-in-time count identified 43 people experiencing homelessness in Merritt. This is up from 11 people experiencing homelessness in 2018. Of the people experiencing homelessness in Merritt, 74 per cent identified as Indigenous, while 54 per cent have lived in the community for 10 years or more,” added Eby.

BC Housing has stated that the Province, through BC Housing, Nicola Native Lodge Society, and Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA), are working on a proposed housing project to build 40 new affordable rental homes for Indigenous Peoples in Merritt. These homes are geared to families, singles, and Elders.

“The Government (through BC Housing) will provide operating funding for a minimum of 60 years,” added Mayor Brown.

The current proposal outlines, 15 studio units for youth and elders, 17 one-bedroom for elders, six two-bedroom for families, and six three-bedroom for families. The housing will also have two units specifically designed for residents who need wheelchair accessibility.

Along with the objections to the proposal, several groups in Merritt supported the project, including NVIT, ASK Wellness, the Nicola Valley Food Bank, and Conayt Friendship Society.

The five local first nation communities and their respective Chiefs authored a joint video submission stressing the importance of the project.

“I like to recognize that, as we saw in the video presented by the bands, this is a need that was identified 50 years ago. That need has been reconfirmed by our housing needs report. Frankly I’m very glad to be in a position where I can raise my hand in support of that need,” said Coun. Travis Fehr.