A developer has asked Steinbach city council to rezone a single-family residential property along Ellice Avenue in order to build a multi-family project consisting of six units. The home is located along the south side of Ellice, about one block west of Highway #12.

City councillor Jac Siemens moved First Reading of the by-law which will trigger a public hearing. Siemens wants to hear from the developer and the neighbours before considering a decision on the project.

"I have concerns over that project, firstly, with fitting it into an area that's all single-family. And, it's not going to be facing the street, it'll will be off-street. Secondly, I have an issue over whether there's enough parking and thirdly, there is one access into that area and one access out and that's Ellice Avenue. So I'd like to hear from the neighbours and I'd like to hear from the developer as well."

Councillor Michael Zwaagstra seconded the motion and shares Siemens' concerns.

"I do have concerns because there are a lot of single-family homes in this area. This is obviously a significant change when you go from low-density to higher density. The reason that I supported First Reading is because this now allows for a Public Hearing to take place. I do want to have the opportunity to hear the plans that are being put forward by the applicant, and, at the same time, also give the neighbours an opportunity to speak to us as well. We find that there are many times where, at Second Reading, where we have that Public Hearing, when you have the developer there and you have the neighbours there, sometimes there is a plan that works for everyone. And, I do want to have the opportunity to hear that."

The Public Hearing will take place at the February 21st city council meeting. Neighbours will be notified by mail.

Drawing of proposed housing complex