A proposal to develop 75 acres of land on the lower slopes of Pinnacle Ridge in Anmore will create more diverse housing in the village as well as increase the number of taxpayers to spread the cost of infrastructure upgrades like road and utility services.
It would also see the construction of the first townhouses in the semi-rural enclave north of Port Moody that consists largely of single-family homes on 1.5-acre lots.
Tuesday, Sept. 11, Anmore council will consider first reading of zoning amendments required for the 269-unit project by Bella Terra Investments2 Inc. to proceed.
That’s eight more homes than when council determined last June the proposal doesn’t require an amendment to the village’s official community plan as the document that guides Anmore’s future growth already “provides a framework for future residential development.”
According to a report by the village’s manager of development services, Chris Boit, the Pinnacle Ridge project prioritizes environmental protection, enhances Anmore’s semi-rural character and minimizes infrastructure costs.
The 269 homes include:
- 172 townhomes and stacked townhomes
- 51 single-family homes
- 46 semi-detached homes
More than a third of the site — 25.7 acres — would be dedicated parkland, consisting of “trails, pathways, open space or sensitive environmental areas” dispersed throughout the development.
“The mix of open space and trails support the primary and secondary priorities for parkland dedication,” said village planner Josh Joseph in a report.
As well, Joseph said, the developer has submitted design guidelines for the homes that they believe “reflect the semi-rural character of of Anmore” and landscaping principles that minimize their risk from being encroached by wildfire.
But when council got its first look at the project in June to determine whether it would require an OCP amendment, one councillor mused it might be too much.
“My concern is the look and feel of Anmore,” said Coun. Doug Richardson. “It’s a big change to the view and look of Anmore when you drive through it.”
But others said the change is inevitable.
“We always knew the hillside would look different,” said Coun. Polly Krier.
Because the proposal falls within Anmore’s OCP, Joseph said the village won’t be able to convene a public hearing as part of the approval process under new provincial housing legislation. But, he added there will be opportunities for public engagement like open houses, workshops or surveys that may provide council with feedback on community needs and concerns.
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