Third reading of Spring Bank Development repealed

Following the admission of a mistake by City Staff, Merritt City Council repealed the third reading of two bylaws surrounding development on Spring Bank.

Two weeks ago, Merritt City Council approved the third reading of an OCP and zoning amendment to pave the way for a new residential development to be built on Spring Bank. The third reading was approved by a 4-3 vote. Councillors Melvina White, Mike Bhangu, and Adam Etchart were in opposition.

The tight vote came after a two-hour public hearing was held with over 40 submissions from the public read aloud. However, not everybody’s letter was included in the package, leading to the repeal.

“On April 1, 2021, it was brought to staff’s attention that a submission received shortly before the deadline on March 22, 2021, had been missed from inclusion as part of the Hearing,” said Director of Corporate Services Greg Lowis.

“The Local Government Act requires that all people who believe their interest in land is affected be able to make submissions prior to Third Reading. Courts have held that strict compliance is required for the procedure of Hearings, and where there are procedural errors, adopted bylaws are subject to legal challenge,” added Lowis.

Following the repeal of the third reading, City Council approved a new public hearing for the proposed development at which the error will be corrected.

A date for the new hearing was not set.