A small townhouse project is moving ahead in 麻豆精选鈥檚 Rutland neighbourhood 鈥� but not without hesitation from a few city councillors.
The development, planned for 215 and 235 Nickel Road includes 11 family-oriented units. One home on the site has already been demolished, while the second is still standing.
That address might ring a bell for some in the community. In 2022, the house at 235 Nickel Road was plagued with problems. Neighbours dealt with harassment and intimidation from squatters, and RCMP were called to the property multiple times. In September that year, residents even staged a protest. Two days later, the home was boarded up.
At Monday鈥檚 (July 7) council meeting, city staff presented the development proposal 鈥� but the design left some councillors unimpressed.
鈥淚 was a little surprised at the renderings that were staged,鈥� said Coun. Maxine DeHart. 鈥淚 was wondering what happened there, because we have been asking through the years for good renderings, and although I think it's a really cute little subdivision, and I will support it, I was surprised about why we didn't get some different renderings.鈥�
Some 麻豆精选 councillors were underwhelmed with the renderings of a townhouse project planned for 215-235 Nickel Road in Rutland. City of 麻豆精选
Coun. Charlie Hodge was more blunt.
鈥淪o where's the amenities? Where's the grass? Where's the trees?鈥� he asked.
Staff responded that the project includes a 44-square-metre shared amenity space with seating which meets zoning requirements of at least four square metres per unit. Still, Hodge questioned whether the development was family-friendly.
鈥淲here do the children play? There is no child space on site for this.鈥�
Staff acknowledged the limitations of small infill projects, pointing out that the city typically wants developers to meet all parking requirements and regulations. Each three-bedroom unit has its own balcony space and indoor rec rooms as well. Staff also noted that the development is just 400 metres from Ben Lee Park.
However, Hodge remained unconvinced.
鈥淚've got to tell you that, unfortunately, what you presented to us doesn't grab my imagination at all.鈥�
Coun. Luke Stack pointed out that the two large lots will soon be home to 11 families in a well-situated part of the city.
鈥淲hen I weigh those things together, it's very supportable in my mind,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd I do agree that the rendering could have been better. But overall, I think it's a very cute, little bit of a project.鈥�
Mayor Tom Dyas noted that it鈥檚 a development 鈥渢he neighbourhood no doubt supports.鈥�
Council approved the development permit, with only Hodge and Coun. Gord Lovegrove opposed.
