A proposed 72-unit modular-home park in Kitimat is raising concerns about the pressure new development could place on local roads and infrastructure.
The modular-home park is part of the proposed Riverbrook Estates development at 167 Konigus Street. The proposal would rezone about 5.3 hectares on the south parcel from G5 Forestry to R6-B Manufactured Home Park, allowing up to 72 modular homes. The area is currently zoned for only two dwelling units.
During Tuesday’s public hearing, concerns were raised about increased traffic, road capacity and the condition of existing infrastructure.
Council also questioned District staff about whether Kitimat’s water and sewer systems could accommodate the proposed development.
According to Director of Engineering Services, Alex Ramos-Espinoza, preliminary assessments indicate the utilities should be able to accommodate the additional growth.
“There has been varying assessments done on the capacity limitations. And they show that they should be able to accommodate the growth.”
Ramos-Espinoza added that more detailed engineering work would take place through the subdivision process, and any upgrades determined to be necessary would be the responsibility of the developer.
Road upgrades are already part of the proposed development conditions. The agenda calls for the property owner to upgrade Liard and Nadina Streets to residential collector standards before the zoning changes can be adopted.
During the hearing, staff also explained that sections of the existing roads would be widened by about 1.2 metres in certain areas to allow for parking while maintaining emergency access.
Councillor Leibel said the modular-home portion was his main concern with the proposal.
“I do believe that we put a lot of pressure on infrastructure and our roads. At the end of the day, as the proponent pointed out, building costs are very high. And, to recoup some of the costs and make this project financially viable, that is going to be a necessity for certain densification. This is a problem that we keep encountering. Developers come in, and the building costs, first of all, prohibit development. So all these things sort of prohibit development.”
He said he had fewer concerns with the apartment and townhouse portions of Riverbrook Estates, but remained concerned about the density of the modular-home park.
The modular-home proposal is one of three applications making up Riverbrook Estates. The overall project also includes two apartment buildings, townhouses and single-family homes. The district says the proposed development would include internal roads, walkways and green space.
The public hearing did not close Tuesday night. Council instead postponed it until Oct. 5, allowing further public input before deciding whether to move forward with the proposed zoning and Official Community Plan amendments.
