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 City Hall took an unprecedented step this week by requiring the developer of Niven Lake subdivision Phase VI, Homes North, to get a development permit before doing any work. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo |
Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services
The change was announced during a city council committee meeting Monday morning.
Previously, the city didn't ask for a development permit until just before construction started.
Homes North president Les Rocher, said the change will likely slow down development and make for more expensive homes in the 100-lot subdivision.
"It's more process, and of course, with more process comes more cost, and the consumer picks up the cost," said Rocher.
Rocher said he hasn't heard yet how much the city wants him to pay for the permit but would like to get moving as soon as possible.
In his report to council, city planning and lands director Monte Christensen told councillors that "there is no real need to require a development permit for subdivision work when a development agreement is entered into."
He cited several Alberta municipalities that follow a similar process.
Residents complained
Development agreements, like the one reached with Homes North, are rarely made public.
Nonetheless, administrator Max Hall said that because of the public confusion over Niven Lake, they've asked Homes North to acquire a development permit before proceeding with groundbreaking work on the subdivision.
It was just a couple weeks ago that angry residents complained they weren't properly consulted when a survey line wa slashed through the Niven Lake trail.
Later, when asked if the policy flip-flop was the result of public pressure over the slashed survey line, Mayor Gord Van Tighem said it was more than likely.
"If the survey line controversy got people to look at requirements then there's a good chance," said Van Tighem.
Last week, the city heard a citizens survey report from pollsters Ipsos-Reid that, while giving the city a good grade overall, was critical of the city's development process. Only 45 per cent of respondents thought the city was doing a good job managing growth.
Jamie Bastedo, who led protesters through a song at City Hall two weeks ago, said he's glad to hear the city seems to be getting the message.
"I welcome this news and applaud city administrators for putting the public horse where it belongs: n front of the private cart," said Bastedo.
