BOWDEN -- Some people have indicated interest in tiny homes proposed for downtown Bowden, acting chief administrative officer Jacqui Molyneux says, even though the land envisioned for them has not even been rezoned to allow residential housing.
"I've had a couple of residents that have come in and are very interested in them already," Molyneux said during a town council meeting.
Developers Lucas and Lindsay Brann are looking at developing seven small homes on a tract of land just west of the Bowden Hotel. They brought the idea to council late last year.
The energy-efficient homes would range from 384 square feet to about 500 square feet, including one-bedroom loft units and two-bedroom models.
The goal is to price them starting from under $100,000 so young people and those making minimum wage as well as retirees could afford them.
Indications are that only three lots in that area have water service hooked up.
"I emailed her (Lindsay Brann) back and let her know that the three water services are brand new as of this year, so they were going to look at figuring out what they could offer for the lots and hopefully everything works out that it comes in at that budget that they were hoping for for the homes," Molyneux said.
She said Red Deer County officials have said the back alley would have to be paved as part of the development.
Councillors didn't see that as much of a problem.
Coun. Wayne Milaney said councillors should do everything they can to ensure the project goes ahead because he sees it as a much-needed infusion of affordable housing that will stimulate the community.
"We just want to be very sure that there are no roadblocks for these people that are trying to develop this space in our town and I would suggest that we invite them back some time in the near future to come to council and make a presentation if they are having any issues that we can help them with," he said.
"I think we need to help them and make some suggestions to them and see how we can make this move forward, because I would really like to see the spades in the ground in the spring for that development."
Coun. Sandy Gamble pointed out that the land in question would have to be rezoned from its current commercial designation to enable the project to proceed. That would involve a public hearing.
Councillors didn't see that as much of a problem either.
"Have a public forum here (town council chambers) or have it at the Friendship Centre and get 'er done," Milaney said.
