Town gives first reading to land  use amendment

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Strathmore has given first reading to Land Use Bylaw Amending Bylaw 24-07, regarding 67 Lakeside Boulevard, and has scheduled a public hearing to take place June 5.

The bylaw was brought before council and is in order to facilitate the construction of semi-detached houses on the subject plot of land. 

It is noted in the town’s meeting agenda and the report provided to council that the majority of housing options in Strathmore are single detached units. 

The addition of the developments proposed for this plot would serve to help increase the variety, and the number of housing units available in town. 

Administration also noted the proposed development is anticipated to increase the assessed market value of the subject lands and may lead to an increase in property tax revenue for the town in the long-term. 

The proposed semi-detached house will require a development, as well as a building permit application to be completed prior to the start of construction, which will be required to include all of the applicable fees under the town’s fees bylaw. 

Administration had recommended that the town approve first reading of the bylaw and proceed to scheduling a public hearing for further discussion. 

According to Section 692(1) of the Municipal Government Act, prior to holding second and third readings to a proposed bylaw amending a land use bylaw, any council must first hold a public hearing with respect to the land redesignation. 

Notice will be circulated to the public regarding the meeting, and members of the community will be given an opportunity to voice their support or their concerns, respectively. 

The subject lands proposed to see development are situated in the Downtown Overlay District, bordered by Lakeside Boulevard, and Village Way. This is adjacent to the Strathmore Municipal Library. 

The development proposal suggests the construction of a semi-detached dwelling and a garage on the specified lot. 

Following administration’s presentation to council regarding the project and associated land use redesignation, Coun. Melissa Langmaid motioned to provide first reading to the bylaw amendment, and to schedule the public hearing for June 5. 

Langmaid’s motion was passed unanimously by council without further questions or discussion.