Forksdale development receives final adoption

The proposed development along Forksdale Avenue has received final adoption from Merritt City Council.

On Tuesday (Feb 9), Council approved adoption for an Official Community Plan and zoning amendment through a split vote, 4-3. Councillors Mike Bhangu, Adam Etchart and Melvina White were in opposition.

During third reading, two weeks earlier, Coun. Kurt Christopherson laid out why he supported the project.

“I know its tempting to what to keep things the same, that’s our comfort level, but we’re in a difficult position. We have way too much reliance on residential taxation, we complain about high taxes constantly, they complain about lack of an industrial base, unemployment. We have concerns about water availability and restrictions, and yet we restrict higher density developments which are more water conservative than simply having low density, big yards,” said Coun. Kurt Christopherson.

“We lack housing options for all sorts of people. We resist growth and yet want to make sure our hospital serves us well and expands, we moan and groan about our city centre and all the business are out of business, vacant stores and leakage. We complain about our aging water supply system and our sewage, roads, and snow removal. Basically, what I’m saying is we need to change, we need to grow, we need to take chances, or Merritt is going to die. We need to have growth,” added Christopherson. “It’s taking a step forward but not without its difficulties.”

The applicant did submit a conceptual site plan, which illustrates the potential location of 32 townhomes and 72 apartment units, as well as the neighbourhood park. The two-story townhomes would be situated adjacent to existing residential, while the low-rise apartment buildings would be situated further south, away from existing residential.