Proposal

Saska Land Development Corp. has applied for an Official Community Plan Land Use Map amendment and rezoning for 528 8^th Street East, 1100-1122 Broadway Avenue and 529 7^th Street East in the Buena Vista neighbourhood, to facilitate the development of a six-storey medium density mixed-use building.

The proposed development consists of two six-storey mixed-use buildings, joined by a central lobby with a total of 90 dwelling units and approximately 1760 m² (18 944 ft²) of commercial space on the ground floor. A total of 139 on-site vehicle parking spaces are proposed through a combination of 47 surface spaces and 92 below-grade spaces. 54 bicycle spaces are also being provided through a combination of 46 below-grade secured spaces for residents and 8 surface spaces.

Site Plan - 8th Street East & Broadway Avenue

The application is also seeking approval for the closure of the north portion of the existing public lane and purchase of the land to include in the development parcel. A new private driveway crossing at the western property line on 8^th St. E. is also proposed. The public lane closure and land sale require approval by City Council following a decision on the Official Community Plan Land Use Map amendment and rezoning application.

(see Related Documents for full-sized Proposed Lane Closure)

Location Map - Proposed Lane Closure

Official Community Plan (OCP) Amendment

The proposal requires an Official Community Plan Land Use Map amendment from “Residential” to “Corridor Main Street” to align with the Corridor Infill policy framework established in Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 9700, 2020. Land designated as “Corridor Main Street” has the potential for medium density mixed use developments that are pedestrian-oriented and incorporate transit-oriented development principles. These areas are typically existing commercial streets located on the BRT and regular transit network. Corridor Main Street areas are intended to enhance the existing character, function, and built form in historic or significant commercial districts located within the Corridor Growth Area.

Proposed OCP Amendment - 8th Street East & Broadway Avenue

Rezoning

The applicant is proposing to rezone the subject parcels to B5B – Broadway Commercial District subject to a Zoning Agreement. The B5B zoning district is intended to recognize the historic Broadway Commercial area and facilitate mixed use development including a range of commercial, institutional and residential uses in a medium to high density form. The Zoning Agreement would ensure that only the specific development proposal, including a list of permitted uses outlined in the Agreement could be developed.

Location Map - Proposed Rezoning

What is a Zoning Agreement?
In some instances, a regulatory tool called a Zoning Agreement may be used when a specific development is proposed as part of a rezoning application. A Zoning Agreement is a binding legal agreement that, if approved by City Council, is tied to the land and ensures that only the specific development proposal put forward by the applicant can be constructed on the property. The Agreement may specify permitted uses of the land and standards respecting building form, scale, and site layout among other considerations.

For this application, a Zoning Agreement is proposed to be employed to address specific development standards respecting building form, building height, number of dwelling units, and parking. Other items may be identified during the review process.

Process

What is the Typical Process for an Amendment Application?

When an amendment application is received by Planning and Development, it is reviewed for conformity with the Official Community Plan, Zoning Bylaw, and other applicable city planning policies and development regulations. It is also circulated to other Civic Departments to review technical considerations such as the capacity of water, wastewater, stormwater, and transportation infrastructure to accommodate the proposal.

Once internal review by the relevant Civic Departments is complete, public engagement on the application is undertaken. This phase of the process provides the opportunity for members of the public to review a proposal, ask questions, identify issues, and provide comment. Registered property owners, typically within 75-150 metres of the subject site, the Community Association, and the Ward Councillor are notified of the application, and are invited to provide questions and comment. When necessary, a public information meeting is held that may include a formal presentation, and question and answer session.

Following public engagement, Planning and Development prepares a report that includes a recommendation on the application, and outlines information collected from the internal review and public engagement processes. The report is first considered by the Municipal Planning Commission, an advisory committee to City Council. The final decision to approve or deny an amendment application, rests with City Council who consider the report, and recommendation along with the Municipal Planning Commission’s feedback at a Public Hearing. Any member of the public is welcome to provide a written submission, or address City Council regarding the application at the Public Hearing.