Coldstream could see additional housing allowed on ALR

Jul 21, 2023 | 2:58 PM

More housing opportunities may be coming to the District of Coldstream.

Coldstream Council will receive a report on second dwellings on Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR ) at its regular meeting on July 24.

The report stated staff have developed a Zoning Bylaw amendment that allows a second home to be built on ALR-zoned properties larger than four hectares (10 acres). Lots smaller than four hectares would not be permitted to have a second dwelling built on them under this bylaw.

As of the time of publication, there were 168 properties that are four hectares or larger within the District of Coldstream.

Council will receive this information, and will also be given an opportunity to discuss reducing that size requirement. However, it was noted that properties under one hectare in size should not be considered in the discussion as it would go against the Okanagan Basin Water Board directives which could result in the loss of future funding.

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Currently, there are 483 properties within the District’s boundaries that are one hectare in size or larger.

Council will also receive an amended and an Official Community Plan (OCP) bylaw to create a Second Dwelling Agricultural Development Permit Area. This would set guidelines for on-site home plating by requiring them to be within 15 metres of the main dwelling.

Staff recommend a Development Permit process be used for the OCP bylaw as they are flexible and allow judgement calls so as to accommodate the fact that agricultural lands are not uniform in size or configuration and have unique histories.

After receiving and discussing the OCP and Bylaw amendments Monday, Council is expected to give first and second readings.

Following that, the District of Coldstream will host public hearings to gather feedback on the proposed amendments.

Council will decide the dates of those consultations at the meeting Monday.

by Liam Verster

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