Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Peace River town council held a special meeting on Feb. 3 to hold a public hearing and to make decisions on an amendment to a Land Use Bylaw (LUB).
The purpose of the meeting was to consider redistricting lands to support a new mixed use development at 7513-100 Ave and 7601-100 Ave.
“A developer would like to build a mixed use development consisting of a four-storey residential 67-unit apartment building, a single level parkade, plus four commercial buildings with up to 17 commercial units on the West Hill and the Commercial District that it is in did not include this use,” explains Mayor Elaine Manzer.
“So, the Town council has passed third reading of a Land-Use Bylaw Amendment to redistrict from Commercial to Direct Control to allow this type of development.”
Manzer notes the new development will provide an exciting opportunity for the town, allowing for new housing and variety within the municipality.
“Peace River would like to see more residences built to have a newer variety of residence building types,” she says.
“This satisfies that goal as well as providing some much-needed higher density residence buildings on the West Hill. With the two apartment fires we have had in 2024, this will be a welcome addition to the available housing in Peace River.”
The application was submitted by Doopin Industries Inc. on behalf of the landowner. The LUB amendment redistricts the subject property from Highway Commercial (C-2) District to Direct Control District (DIR-C). This change was required because the C-2 district does not enable residential uses, and there is no other appropriate district that allows for the mix of uses with relevant site regulations.
“The developer has some steps to do such as finalizing site plans, obtaining a Roadside Development Permit from Transportation and Economic Corridors, present the development to the council, enter into a development agreement with the Town, apply for a subdivision, then site preparation can begin,” notes Manzer.
“After that the developer applies for building permits and construction begins which – hopefully – is early summer.”
Manzer says this is an exciting development to bring into the community, providing new options for current residents and people who may choose to move to town.
“They bring more and new housing choices to the community which is often what newcomers want in the community they move to,” Manzer says.
“It also provides more housing on the West Hill close to many existing businesses and medical facilities,” she adds.
There were no community arguments at the public hearing, allowing council to go into second and third reading for the development.
“The developers have a site plan that will need to satisfy various regulations and perhaps require some adjustments, but the developer has consulted with the various provincial departments that are involved for approvals,” Manzer explains, noting that council approved both second and third reading during the meeting.
“Town council is very supportive of new developments in our community and is looking at ways to promote development including doing an update of our Land-Use Bylaw.”
Manzer says new developments like this provide more services and choices for current and future residents and ratepayers and businesses. She adds depending on the types of development, they can also affect rates for taxes.
“Our council and administration have had discussions with various developers and when approached about a new development are willing to look at our present LUB and other regulations to update and refresh them if needed to help the development come to fruition,” she concludes.
“We have full-time infrastructure and planning staff to help these processes and to bring suggested changes to council such as this redistricting to help the developer proceed.”