Opinion

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS Developer considers rezoning plans on Voght

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whereas the current zoning requires a combination of townhomes and modular which has presented a little bit of a problem for us with regards to finding partners that will develop the townhouse site, as well as the modular site sepaFOR MORE INFO CONTACT: 250-315-7024 rately. Modular communities typically are inclusive communities all upon themselves, where you don’t see a mix of commercial or high density residential within a modular home type development, they’re typically on their own and they function that way,” Melenka continued. Adding to the difficulty in securing a development partner is the fact that Spayum Holdings will continue to hold Congratulations!the land rather than sell it upon completion of the project. A development partner was found through a request for proposals process, and preliminary conversations regarding the plans have taken place, but Melenka said that the project could only move ahead with this partner if the townhouses were eliminated from the design through the proposed rezoning. We would like to congratulate our recent recipients of our Royal Canadian Legion Branch 096 Bursaries When the proposal first came before council with a request for R4 Zoning, council raised concerns of what the development would look like from Voght St. Mason Hintz and Brodie Sterling

As Voght was previously considered a highway, properties backed the road, rather than facing out. Now, Voght is We wish you all the best in your future endeavors. considered a main thoroughfare for the City of Merritt, and, as such, there has been a desire to have buildings face Royal Canadian Legion Branch 96the street and provide a more welcoming atmosphere than the row of fences currently seen. With an R4 Zoning, the Box 527 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 • 250 378-5631 modular homes would back Voght, whereas the suggested townhouses would face out.

Melenka said he understands council’s concerns regarding the streetscape of Voght, but that this is not the time for that to be considered.

“Those elements of design are typically something that’s dealt with at what’s referred to as the development permit process,” said Melenka.

“So, where fencing goes, what the height of fencing is, what materials there are, how the vegetation and landscape plan looks, those are elements that are handled further on down the planning process. Where we are now is simply at a rezoning, so whether or not the use is appropriate for this location and that’s really council’s main consideration in cases of land use.”

In consulting with neighbouring property owners, particularly those on Parker Dr., Melenka said that they had expressed concern with the townhouses, worried that the allowable three or four stories would impede their view, although the townhouses were intended to be two storeys in height.

“The removal of the townhouses to a single-story product helps satisfy some of that,” said Melenka.

“There was some expressed concern from those living along Burgess who backed onto the site that they didn’t want to have too many or any units above them, looking down on them.”

In response, the proposed number of modular homes that overlook Burgess was reduced from 22 to 17. Overall, the conceptual design would change from a total of 52 modular homes and 15 townhouses to a complete community of 46 modular homes.

“From a streetscape perspective… we’ve actually reduced the number of dwellings along Voght which also might help with reducing the massing that you might see on Voght if it was just townhouses side by side by side,” said Melenka, who said the new proposal would also assist the City with Phase Two of the Voght St. improvement project by allowing for road allowances and road dedication for various infrastructure.

This would include part of the property which is needed to construct a roundabout, as well as widening the road and connecting Grimmett St. to Spring Bank Ave.

“In order for them to install and construct a traffic circle, they would have to acquire lands within our property, so the subdivision would help facilitate that,” said Melenka.

“Without a subdivision it becomes difficult because the City would have to look at approaching Spayum to either purchase the lands or expropriate the land.”

Susan Roline, a board member of Spayum Holdings LLP said that Spayum had done their “due diligence” when it came to determining a use for the land after the Grasslands Hotel burned down more than a decade ago, conducting a study which indicated that it would be best suited to residential.

“It satisfies a medium range housing choice within the community.”

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VIEWPOINT

GOVERNMENT ALBAS: An affront to democracy

In the Nicola Valley, we have many small family run farms and small business operations. When it comes time for retirement, if a business owner decides to sell to a member DAN ALBAS VIEW FROM THE HILL of the family to pass the business along to the next generation, the difference between the sale price and the original purchase price is considered a dividend. In the event the same family farm or small business is sold to a stranger the difference is considered a capital gain.

Both dividends and capital gains are taxable. The difference is that generally capital gains are taxed at lower rate. So, if you sell your family farm to a family member, you are penalized for doing so. Bill C-208 proposes to amend the Income Tax Act so that the same tax rate should apply when selling an operation to a family member as would apply when selling to a third party. Unfortunately PM Trudeau, the Finance Minister, the Liberal cabinet and majority of the Liberal caucus all voted against this bill.

Fortunately, all members of the Conservative, the NDP, Bloc Québécois, Green MPs and some Liberals voted for this bill allowing it to pass third reading. Despite this bill now becoming law, the government is refusing to immediately implement the bill.

The serious concern here is that the legislation has already been passed into law. It is my view that the Prime Minister believes by delaying this bill until after a federal election, if the Liberal Government receives a majority, they can overturn it. To use the bureaucracy to block this bill is an arrogant affront to democracy. My question this week: do you agree?

I can be reached at Dan.Albas@parl. gc.ca or call toll free 1-800-665-8711.

Jasmine Torgerson

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