Conceptual image of SkyDev proposal for former RCA property in Owen Sound. (image from July 22 SkyDev presentation to council)
A proposal to construct a multi-building apartment complex in Owen Sound’s northeast end cleared another hurdle in the planning process.
City council approved a staff recommendation at its meeting Monday night to pass a zoning by-law amendment for the 712-unit residential development proposed by SkyDev Bayshore Owen Sound LP at East Bayshore Road and 32nd Street East, the former RCA plant property.
SkyDev is proposing to construct eight, six-storey rental apartment buildings on the 38.3-acre property. Previously, SkyDev indicated the apartments would include a mix of one- and two-bedroom units.
A city staff report says the developer would be exempt from paying $3.5-million in development charges, as the units would be purpose-built rentals.
An adhoc group of “East Bayshore residents” raised some concerns about the proposed development in a delegation to Owen Sound council on Sept. 12. The local residents primarily took issue with the fact only one type of housing is proposed, and also claimed SkyDev has a questionable track record of responsible management of its other properties in the city.
A SkyDev spokesperson was at Monday’s council meeting to address the latter concern, saying “we have been working on improving the conditions within our Owen Sound properties over the last few years since we acquired those properties from other landowners. Since we acquired the buildings we’ve placed almost $6-million of investment into capital improvements and we have another plan for next year for $1-million more … and we’ll keep at it, and keep improving the situation as best we can over time.”
Nearly 20 tentative conditions are laid out by the city that would “likely be applicable” to the developer for further approvals.
These include different studies for noise, servicing and other considerations, landscaping plans and assurances that proposed amenities are included in the approved site plan.
Pickleball courts, a fenced dog run, community gardens, fire pits and trails are some of the amenities SkyDev spokespeople previously talked about including at the apartment complex.
A subsequent motion passed introduced by Coun. Scott Greig to direct staff to not consider a shadow study and a wind assessment as a requirement for site plan approval.
“I have a problem with adding another cost to the developer. Because it just flows through to the people that are going to ultimately pay for it,” Greig says.
Grey County’s planning department commented on the apartment proposal and noted “it is understood that the proposal does not seek to offer affordable units … and the county’s housing department remains open to discussions regarding partnership opportunities to rent some units below market rate, to accommodate lower-income residents in need of housing.”
Coun. Carol Merton raised concerns about the lack of affordable units proposed. She publicly urged the developer to “recognize perhaps there is an opportunity to move forward towards affordability to meet our community needs.”
Coulter told councillors Grey County sets a target of 30 per cent of new residential development to be affordable. She says there’s been 496 new residential units constructed across the city in the past five years and 23 per cent of those meet the technical definition of affordability in the provincial policy statement.