A controversial seniors care facility on Banks Crescent is one step closer to becoming a reality.
On Monday evening, council passed second reading to the bylaws which would change the zoning and Official Community Plan designation for the property.
The motion was moved by Coun. Doug Holmes and seconded by Coun. Toni Boot.
If the motion had been defeated, the development proposal would have come to an end.
Many council members said they had questions about the proposed development.
“The technical aspects have to be considered along with the philosophical aspects,” said Coun. Richard Barkwill.
Coun. Erin Carlson said she wanted time to review a lengthy package of information which had been circulated shortly before the meeting began.
“There’s still a huge discussion to be held,” she said. “We haven’t determined what the risk is.”
Coun. Erin Trainer said more information is needed before making a decision on the proposal.
“Before I make a decision of this magnitude, I want to make sure I have all the facts,” she said.
Others also shared this sentiment.
“I don’t feel that I have the information yet to make a decision on this,” said Coun. Janet Peake.
“I’ve got some unresolved concerns myself,” said Mayor Peter Waterman.
Others on council spoke out against the development proposal.
“We do have all the information on the scale of this project,” Holmes said. “It’s not my idea of community building.”
Boot raised her concerns about the effects of constructing the housing facility. “I think that this is the wrong location for this type of development,” she said.
The second reading of the bylaws was carried, with Holmes and Boot opposed.