A developer’s proposal to build 269 new homes on the lower slopes of Pinnacle Ridge in Anmore faces economic and geographical challenges, but that’s not a reason to cut if off at the knees at this early juncture says the village’s mayor, John McEwen.
On Tuesday, Sept. 10, Anmore councillors unanimously passed first reading of zoning amendments required for the project to proceed to next steps.
Those include referral to council’s advisory planning commission for more detailed discussions about the proposal’s financial sustainability and the amenities it might be able to contribute to the community as well as provide staff the opportunity to dig further into the developer’s plans to deal with issues like groundwater seepage, erosion and their plan for retaining trees as well as map out a strategy for public engagement.
McEwen said a previous proposal in 2016 to develop the four large parcels of steeply-graded property fell apart because of the high cost of building infrastructure like roads, sidewalks and drainage culverts and there was a landslide on the ridge in 2008.
“The lands are challenging,” he said, but conceded they “will get developed at some point in time.”
Coun. Doug Richardson said he while he likes the proposal’s mix of housing that includes 172 townhomes and stacked townhomes, 46 semi-detached homes and 51 single-family houses, he questioned its density that would see some of the structures occupy much of their properties.
“It’s going to have a whole different look and feel for Anmore,” he said.
Richardson also fretted constructing homes on steep slopes might not be the best idea in a changing climate.
“Our storms are getting worse, and up there with roads and 60 per cent coverage of lots, you’ve taken most of the permeability of the land,” he said. “It’s just too much building.”
Coun. Kim Trowbridge echoed Richardson’s concerns.
“I’m all for different types of housing stocks,” he said, adding putting such density on a hillside might not be the best idea.
According to a report by Anmore’s manager of development services, Chris Boit, the project’s developer plans to prioritize protection of the ridge’s natural setting by dedicating more than a third of the 75-acre site to trails, pathways, open space and environmentally-sensitive areas dispersed throughout the development.
As well, added village planner Josh Joseph, the developer has submitted design guidelines for the homes that they believe “reflect the semi-rural character of Anmore.”
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