A 65-lot subdivision could be built in Steelhead if area residents tell council they approve.
The proposal, brought forward by OTG Development Concepts, is to rezone two properties totaling 32.3 hectare (80 acres) near the corner of Cardinal Street and Thomas Avenue.
Under the current rural 16 zone, the developer would only be allowed to subdivide the two properties into 19 lots, each at least 1.6 hectares (four acres) in size. The proposed suburban 36 zone would create lots 0.88 acres with city water services, or 1.73 acres without.
Property owner and developer Dean Hodgson lives in the area and says he has the support of Steelhead Community Association’s (SCA) executive board.
He has worked with SCA to bring in Telus fiber optic lines and better communication channels if the project proceeds.
District staff are against the proposal because it does not conform with the Official Community Plan, there would be additional service requirements for the area, there are no plans for parkland in the area, and it could restrict forestry operations as the site’s south and east boundaries are adjacent to the Mission Municipal Forest.
Mission Fire/Rescue Service has outlined safety concerns, such as response time and water access.
The development must also be approved by the water and sewer commission.
Councillors Nelson Tilbury and Jeff Jewell wanted to know if there was a greater plan for the area, beyond the subdivision and how much a development would cost taxpayers.
“My concern is with the cost implications of increasing the population. There are resources needed to support a new community,” said Jewell.
Council has moved the proposal forward in order to hear comments from residents.
“It might be overdue for a development like this in the area,” said Coun. Tony Luck.
The developer will now organize a public input meeting.