Letter to the editor
This is regarding the Métis proposed development on 13th street.
The Pioneer reports the more positive response by District of Invermere council to a smaller development and I fear council will approve this proposal.
Considering the three-storey condo housing on 14th street, it is easy to visualize just how a three-storey apartment building on 13th Street will impact this residential neighbourhood. Pardon my suspicions, but it does seem that rejection of the first proposal might have been anticipated and now by presenting a less invasive development, it would meet with council approval .
The revised plan is still invasive and grossly out of sync with the Official Community Plan which specifies new development should be in harmony with the existing neighbourhood.
As the District of Invermere is very much in favour of affordable housing, there is in fact an ideal vacant piece of land on 8th Avenue where the former community hall was situated. It meets the possible needs of access to shopping and easy access for school buses.
Another excellent site is the northwest corner of the Athalmer/Chabot park area which sits undeveloped due to lack of finances. Selling that corner for the three or four-storey apartments would bring in money needed for park improvement. Tax revenue is another incentive.
The buildings would fit in nicely with the four-storey buildings opposite on 3rd Avenue.
These suggestions have already been proposed to mayor and council but no reply has materialized. The District of Invermere needs to be more creative regarding this housing scheme.
Eileen Fiell, Invermere
