Efforts to attract services into Coldstream continue. But there are concerns that the process could actually scare potential businesses away.
The district is working on establishing a mixed use commercial zone, to be applied to potential development in the town centre area (on Kalamalka Road near Coldstream Elementary).
“What we’re trying to do is foster some sort of economic activity in the area,” said Coun. Richard Enns of the town centre plan.
“The whole purpose of the plan is to try and improve the central Coldstream area.”
Discussions around appropriate development, zoning and restrictions have been underway for several years following resident demands for additional services in Coldstream, said Enns.
“We (residents) don’t want to have to drive into Vernon every time we need a haircut or something like that.”
But recently the discussions around zoning have included the prospect of density bonusing.
For a price, density bonusing would permit a developer to construct additional storeys to a business to accommodate housing.
“I’m quite concerned about it,” said Enns of density bonusing, which he adds removes the discretion of council, whereas the current plan would allow for three storeys only with a variance, which would have to be approved by council.
While density bonusing is popular in areas such as Vancouver and Richmond, Enns says it isn’t necessary in Coldstream.
“We don’t have enormous density pressures here.”
The density bonusing price tag, which would have to be determined, could also drive away potential development.
“It can become an impediment for the kinds of things we’re trying to get into the area,” said Enns.
“It essentially becomes an additional tax.”
Meanwhile a few other councillors don’t see a problem with charging developers extra.
“I’m 100 per cent in favour of the residents of Coldstream getting a benefit from any development,” said Coun. Maria Besso.
Since a developer would profit off housing with an additional storey, Coun. Gyula Kiss has no issue with density bonusing.
“It’s a difference of how you look at it,” said Kiss.
The discussion will continue at council’s committee of the whole.
