A new Merecroft-area apartment complex received council approval last week, but not all councillors were on board.
The proposal, submitted by Joe Myers Investment Ltd., calls for a four-storey, 47-unit rental facility on the corner of Merecroft Road and Dogwood Street.
City staff recommended council approve the project as it meets all zoning requirements and, with the building located across the street from Merecroft Village, it promotes the city’s goal of walkable areas.
Coun. Ron Kerr, while acknowledging it’s a “great building,” said he couldn’t support the project.
“I’m generally pro-development and it’s good to see developers propose new projects in Campbell River (but) what you’re proposing here is a four-storey monolith,” Kerr said. “I want to talk about the visual impact. The mountain views from the top of Merecroft hill are incredible. What’s being proposed here...we’ll lose a large chunk of those views and we’ll lose it forever. Thousands of drivers (on Dogwood) see those views. I don’t think this is the best development for this sight.”
Coun. Larry Samson disagreed.
“I think this is exactly what we’re looking for,” Samson said, adding the development won’t impact the mountain views of surrounding residents.
The development is expected to have 71 parking stalls, including an accessible parking spot.
The primary access for the proposed development is off Merecroft Road however, pedestrian walkways are expected to be provided around the building and out onto the Dogwood sidewalk to promote better access.
The site runs 20 metres along Merecroft and 77.9 metres along Dogwood.
The cladding of the building is proposed to be primarily Hardi-Plank, clapboard style siding. The building is expected to be a mix of medium brown, tan and teal colours.
A key aspect of the development is the use of lighting to add security for residents.
The front entrance, side entrance, pathways, and parking lot will all be lit and run on daylight sensors to reduce energy consumption, according to the development permit application.
Coun. Andy Adams commended the proponent for bringing the project forward to council and was pleased to approve the proposal.
The motion to permit the development of the apartment building passed, with Kerr opposed.
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