A plan to add fourplexes to the housing mix along 48 Street between 49 Avenue and 51 Avenue got the go-ahead Jan. 31, despite residents warning the move could alter the charm of the neighbourhood.
During a public hearing held at the regularly scheduled council meeting councillors, administration and citizens discussed the vision for the future of the direct control district (DCD).
ìAt what point do you draw the line?î asked Lynne Copeland, a resident of the area. ìThere's a big difference between a rental unit and a single family dwelling with a long-term resident.î
The area is meant to accommodate a mix of low-to-medium density residential and commercial land uses. Because the neighbourhood is located so close to Main Street, developers have become interested in the area for commercial and multi-family options, according to an administration report.
Not all residents of the area are quiet as thrilled.
ìI really don't want a fourplex right beside me,î said Rudy van Doornum. ìThat's my opinion on it.î
Since sixplexes and mixed-use developments are already allowed there's no reason why fourplexes should be left out, said Alysa Tams, who plans to put a fourplex on 48 Street.
Though she's focused on marketability of the region, Tams says maintaining the unique allure of the street is important too.
ìI'm sensitive to wanting to preserve the character of our town,î she said. ìLandscaping's very important to me.
ìWe've tried as much as possible to preserve trees that are not at the end of their lifespan.î
She stresses there is a desperate need for rental properties in Innisfail.
ìTypically these units last one day on Kijiji,î she said, noting she also picks renters carefully. ìI always give preference to young families.î
Later, as council discussed the plan, Coun. Jason Heistad said he joined council in part to help preserve the town's best attributes.
ìSometimes we allow development to take over an area,î he said. ìFourplexes just aren't that pretty. Sometimes they're a little plain.î
It didn't make sense to stop fourplex development when so many similar uses are allowed in the area, said Coun. Mark Kemball, adding it was a tough decision.
ìThe way it reads now there's no stopping a sixplex, a duplex or an apartment,î he said. ìIt only makes sense that a fourplex is included.î
In the end Heistad was the lone vote opposing the land use bylaw amendment.
