Staff
The Fort Frances Native Urban Wahkaihganun Corp. will build a six-unit apartment complex on York Avenue later this year after town council approved zoning amendments at its regular meeting Monday night.
The amendments changed the zoning for 1026-1040 York Ave. from “R2” to “R4” to permit multi-residential use and the construction of a six-unit complex, as well as include a site specific provision to reduce the lot frontage of 237 Eighth St. W. from 80 metres to 70.8 m.
The proposed apartment complex was met with opposition from several north-end residents last month, with one of the concerns being drainage.
Mayor Roy Avis did say before Monday’s vote that if council is to go ahead with the re-zoning, it must be with the assurance the proposed construction does not adversely affect adjacent properties.
Municipal planner Faye Flatt said the Planning and Development executive committee felt it is necessary Fort Frances Native Urban Wahkaihganun Corp. submit a drainage plan for evaluation by the Operations and Facilities division as part of the building permit process.
Flatt added she has been contact with Wahkaihganun housing manager Neil Kabel, who indicated the process of getting a drainage plan done is underway.
Coun. John Albanese noted that last month, council heard concerns about the conditions of properties in the York Avenue neighbourhood and asked if anything has been done about it since then.
Flatt noted the town’s bylaw enforcement department went to York Avenue to address the property standards issue the day after the May 13 council meeting and they have been addressed.
She added, however, that property standards are not a planning consideration evaluated during the re-zoning of a property.
In a written report from Flatt, she recommended the re-zoning application be approved by council.
In that report, Flatt noted the application was sent to each town division and to the Fort Frances Power Corp. for comment, and no concerns were identified.
The Committee of Adjustment also passed a motion recommending the re-zoning application be approved.
The proposed re-zoning also falls in line with Provincial Policy Statements in regards to intensification and providing an appropriate range of housing types (in this case, medium-density housing within an existing single detached residential area).
Construction is expected start this summer, with new tenants occupying the six-unit complex as early as late fall.
This will be the second apartment complex built in the north end by the Fort Frances Native Urban Wahkaihganun Corp.
A 10-unit complex was completed Dec. 10.
It now is at full accommodation, and there continues to be a need for more such units.
