Kamloops City Council has given tentative approval to a proposal to rezone two properties at Tranquille Road and Valhalla Drive, where a new BC Housing-funded multi-family building could rise.

The proposed development at 1330 and 1346 Tranquille Road will have to clear a future public hearing before the rezoning application can be approved.

“This multi family development is not permitted in the current zoning [RT1C (Two-Family Residential 1 – Compact)] and so therefore the applicant is seeking to rezone it [to to RM4 (Multi-Family 4 – Medium–High Density)],” Planning and Development Supervisor Eric Beach told council Tuesday.

“This would allow for the eventual construction of a multi-family development which would be funded by BC Housing with the intent to provide affordable housing for families.”

Beach says the proposal will see the demolition of an existing home on 1330 Tranquille Road. He also said the RM4 zoning would limit the building to four storeys in height and a maximum of 47 units.

“I should note a subsequent development permit application would have to come back before council. This would detail the layout, number of units, parking, landscaping. Strictly today would be for the rezoning,” Beach said, noting that if approved, a lot consolidation and a housing agreement will be required at the development permit stage.

“The site is adjacent to single, two family, and multi-family developments already. The applicant reached out to the surrounding neighbourhoods and went door to door with the proposal giving out information to residents of what would be coming prior to this going to a public hearing.”

Councillors voted to give two readings to the Zoning Amendment Bylaw that would permit these changes. Councillor Bill Sarai recused himself as his wife’s relatives own the property.