Last March, a rezoning request for 331 Ritchie Street in Kimberley was brought forward to council. It requested a change from Commercial zone C-1 to Downtown-Mixed Use Zone DMU-2 to allow construction of up to three detached dwelling units that would be interchangeably used between residential and tourist accommodation use. At the time, council had some reservations and directed planning staff to work with the proponents to modify their project.
The applicants have modified the project although it will still require a zoning change. What is being proposed now is a duplex with a detached accessory dwelling unit for long term rental use.
The planning report says that given that the property is surrounded commercial zone parcels on Warren Ave. and residential parcels fronting Ritchie St, it is well suited to being a transitionary zone that allows both residential and commercial uses. No change to the Official Community Plan is required.
331 Ritchie St. as it stands right now, is a storage area that looks unappealing and is in the heart of Kimberley, says the application. That land has the potential to be developed into much needed housing and accommodations that people are desperately looking for in Kimberley.
Council received three letters from surrounding residents regarding the rezoning. The main concern is parking, and the size of the lot for two dwellings.
However, Manager of Planning Services Troy Pollock told council that parking is a detail that will be worked out further into the process at the building permit stage.
Council passed the first reading of the rezoning bylaw.
