Council in the RM of La Broquerie has approved the expansion of a multi-family housing complex even though there was considerable opposition.

Reeve Lewis Weiss says the developer came forward with a proposal to expand a newly built apartment building from seven units to eleven. He notes council held a public hearing and received 35 letters from residents expressing a variety of concerns. He says one concern was that there is not enough green space to support eleven apartments.

"When I saw how many objections there was I felt that I may possibly vote the other way, but then when I read the concerns I realized I didn't feel there was really a foundation to stop the project. The school is across the road, there is a playground at the school, there is another park at the arena right behind that, so as far as green space goes there is ample green space for eleven units."

Weiss says there were some who were concerned that La Broquerie already has enough apartments. He notes this particular building is in the ideal location for a large multi-family home.

"It is right across from the school, in my personal opinion that was a good location for a small apartment, whether it is a single parent walking the kids to school in any weather, it is right across from the grocery store, or be it a situation where a spouse is working out of town all week, the other can take the kids to school or can go to the grocery store. I felt it was a good location that way."

Weiss says there were also a number of concerns brought forward that La Broquerie is growing too large.

"As far as people coming in who aren't originally from the community, I did not feel that was a good enough reason not to allow apartments. We are a growing community, I think it is more growing pains, sometimes we don't want to face change. I have gone through it myself with different issues and when it comes it is not actually that terribly bad after all."

Weiss adds council approved the project but added a few conditions that would increase the visual appeal of the apartments.