48-unit project proposed

A new project aiming to provide 48 units of housing for low-to-moderate-income residents could help further address housing affordability and sustainable community growth in Nelson.

Proposed for the 1300 block of Fell Street — across from Selkirk College’s Tenth Street campus on city-owned land — the SHARE Housing Initiative Society had received a 60-year lease on the property from the city “at a nominal rate,” a report from city deputy corporate officer, Sonya Martineau, read.

The approval is contingent upon receiving confirmation from the provincial government regarding any requirements related to the endowment lands, according to an in-camera resolution from city council.

“Additionally, the lease is conditional upon the successful rezoning of the property from I1 – institutional zone to R4 – high density residential,” Martineau said.

The in-camera resolution has since been released to provide transparency and demonstrate the city's support for the initiative.

The housing calls have been getting more competitive as the need for affordable housing is a concern right across the province, said Kaela Schramm, executive director of M’Akola Development Services that the society contracted to help with the application.

“So we just wanted to underscore the importance of having a fully-zoned project,” she told city council recently. “It is a major milestone to demonstrate to B.C. Housing that you have eliminated some of that risk when they review and analyze the project.”

A fully-zoned project makes it appear more “shovel-ready,” she added.

Although the current design proposed up to five storeys, it would be the maximum height the society would be exploring.

“It doesn’t consider any design features yet, as we intend to work closely with city staff to design and develop a (project) that is considerate of the surrounding area and neighbourhood … while still providing much needed housing to the community,” she said.

The project looked like a very big building in not a very big space, said Coun. Kate Tait in response to the presentation to council.

“I was appreciative of hearing that the design will be considerate of the neighbours, including the orientation and the style,” she said. “I know that in Nelson, when developments come before us, there is a lot of desire for conversation … especially when you’ve got all sorts of neighbours.”

The project has to come back to city council to see how it fits for rezoning under the Official Community Plan, said city manager Kevin Cormack.

“It will be reviewed by our staff to see how it fits for the rezoning in that area for OCP,” he said. “We just have to be careful about how far we do go down the road at this stage because it does have to come back to (council).”

There is still quite a bit of development work to be done on the project, noted Mayor Janice Morrison, but the society now has a $250,000 grant from the provincial government for development funding.

“You had a successful first project and we are glad that you are still interested to do other projects in the city,” she said.

An application will be submitted to B.C. Housing’s Community Housing Fund next year.

The proposed project will feature 48 units of rental housing, ranging from studio to two-bedroom apartments, designed to B.C. Housing design guidelines and construction standards, including compliance with Energy Step Code 3.

The project will be up to five storeys above grade, with one below grade, and will include a bike storage and amenity space. It is targeted for completion in 2027.