By Lyonel Doherty
Despite a housing proposal being significantly revised in Invermere, some residents are still concerned about privacy and parking at 1102-13th Street.
On August 13, Metis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) hosted a virtual public information session on its amended plan to bring affordable, Indigenous-first rental housing to the community (in partnership with the Columbia Valley Metis Association (CVMA)).
Planner Nicole Capewell, representing M’akola Development Services, said the Metis-led project will benefit existing members rather than external investors.
It was noted the original application consisted of a four-storey apartment building with 36 rental units and a cultural community centre, but height concerns during the first public hearing prompted MNBC to revise the proposal to include a three-storey building (12 metres high) with 41 rentals, but without the community centre. The development will feature residential amenity space, on-site property management, and a rooftop garden. Parking includes 41 stalls for tenants and three visitor spots, for a total of 44.
Architect Rachelle Lemieux said the design goal is to create a space that is welcoming, accessible, and inclusive. She added there will be solar shading, local vegetation, onsite rainwater storage and trees to act as a buffer between the development and neighbouring properties.
An update with more details will be provided at the second public hearing slated for September 5.
During question period, one local resident said she appreciated the changes made but still harboured concerns about privacy, additional noise and parking. She noted the rooftop garden and balconies will be overlooking her house, which makes her feel uncomfortable.
Project manager Allison Millar told the resident that staff could have a discussion with her regarding these concerns.
Capewell said they conducted a traffic impact assessment which suggested the current infrastructure is able to withstand the extra traffic from the development. She noted they could share that study with the resident.
Capewell added they plan to erect a fob-access gate on 11th Avenue, limiting access to residents and emergency vehicles only. She stated that people (guests) will still be able to access the development off 13th Street.
Local resident Joan Flowitt (11th Avenue) also expressed concerns about privacy and parking. She said the development will turn the quiet, dead-end street into a busier road, fearing that her property will go down in value. “It’s not what I envisioned when we bought here; it’s all changing very fast.”
Flowitt said the extra parking (and traffic) will totally change the neighbourhood, noting that backing out of their driveways will be a “nightmare.”
Millar said they are still working through the rezoning process and haven’t finalized the details.
Monica Fisher, a CVMA board member, said she understands people’s frustration because the development is new and different.
“There is a huge push for high-density (affordable) housing,” she stated, noting the proposal should have minimal impact on existing residents in the neighbourhood.
Fisher expressed her confidence that people will “adapt” to this new development.
“This isn’t low income housing, this is rent geared to income housing; people living in there are people like myself . . . residents who can’t find a place to live and have careers.”
But Flowitt interjected by saying the height will take away her mountain view.
Lemieux said she has heard many people share the same story about wanting to live in Invermere but not being able to find a place.
Flowitt acknowledged the need for housing but argued that 13th Street is not the proper place, suggesting that the downtown core would be a better location.
Millar said they considered other properties but this is the best site because it’s close to downtown, close to schools, and the hospital.
Topher Burke, CVHA president, said he has to rent a room above his parent’s garage “because there is nothing affordable.”
“We’re doing our best to find people houses; a lot of people live in travel trailers in the bush (because they can’t afford anything else).”
Lemieux reminded the public that this proposal isn’t a project where a developer is making money off of the residents.
Millar said this development will provide needed housing for families, seniors and young working individuals.
She noted they will consider all of the feedback and concerns and continue to refine the proposal.