A developer is planning an apartment block with 18, three-bedroom suites along Chapel Drive in Steinbach. Elmer Toews has applied to city council to rezone two properties from commercial to residential medium density to accommodate the plan. The proposed building would be two stories high.

Deputy Mayor John Fehr moved approval of First Reading of the rezoning bylaw.

"There are many complexes there that are similar to that right now, so it's going to be interesting to see what the community, the neighbours, have to say. It's going to go to a public hearing where the public can give their input and then I guess we'll decide whether we move on or not."

Councillor Michael Zwaagstra seconded the motion.

"This is something that a number of properties in the immediate vicinity are already zoned as. Our normal procedure, when we get this type of request is that we will give First Reading, so that way, there's an opportunity for the applicant to make a presentation to council and an opportunity also for the neighbourhood to comment if they wish to do so. I look forward to hearing what the applicant and the neighbourhood have to say when we do our public hearing in the month of May."

First Reading received unanimous approval.

The two properties are officially located at 197 and 199 Brandt Street. But the proposal indicates the parking lot entrance would be located along Chapel Drive.