While Coldstream lot sizes are traditionally larger than those in neighbouring communities, that could change.
“One of the things this council may want to look at this term is densities,” said Mayor Jim Garlick. “In comparing other areas, all of their lot sizes are smaller than all of our lot sizes.”
Lots in neighbouring communities, such as Vernon, are generally 700-880 square metres, while Coldstream’s average size is 1,200 square metres.
“We have our challenges with water, sewer and transit and paying for things like that.”
While it may not be a favourable option, Coldstream politicians are prepared to look at the options.
“We should have the conversation about density and where,” said Coun. Doug Dirk. “We all know that densification is going to happen, it’s only a matter of time.”
The need for discussion has been spurred by duplex applications in the district.
The owner of an existing duplex on Coldstream Creek Road is subdividing his .67 acre lot to create a second lot.
“The existing lot is very large,” said Allan Betton, who rents out the duplex at 11309 Coldstream Creek Road. “Tenants who are in there are faced with a very large lot to maintain.”
But not everyone is keen to see Coldstream’s large lot sizes cut down.
“Now we’re going to have houses that are 10 feet apart, I don’t think that is hardly what our community is built upon and what we like in our community,” said Cor Aarsen, who lives across from the subject property and has parking and esthetic concerns.
Others are concerned about the loss of privacy and property value that smaller lots could create.
“We purchased our home and I am sure our neighbours purchased because of the large lot size and the privacy of the backyard,” said neighbours Jeff and Susan Prince, in a letter of opposition.
Rear neighbours Wayne and Angela Ovens agree.
“This was proposed a few years ago and we opposed it then,” said the Ovens in a letter.
Along with noting a potential fire hazard of neighbouring roofs being too close, Gladys Mason is also opposed to the project.
“Rural living at its best should remain as is,” she wrote in her opposition letter.
Some politicians also have hesitations about increasing density in Coldstream.
“This could very well lead to other lots in that same area coming forward with the same applications,” said Coun. Peter McClean.
Therefore staff has been asked to examine density in Coldstream’s official community plan for a future discussion to take place.
“Part of the conversation needs to be about lot sizes,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane. “That’s a large part of the question we need to have with the residents of Coldstream.”
A second duplex application related to the discussion involves a vacant lot at Westkal Road.
“The intent when we bought this property in 2005 was to eventually build a duplex on it,” said owner Jeremy Frick.
But changes were made in 2007 which restrict duplexes from being built on smaller lots.
So while the zoning allows for a duplex, the .18 acre lot does not meet the size requirements.
Council vetoed the staff recommendation to deny the application and would like to investigate its policies further.
“Our lot sizes for duplexes are actually bigger than anybody elses,” said McClean.
Coun. Richard Enns adds: “The possibility of having a duplex on this property should be explored.”
