Westsyde 60-unit subdivision heading to public hearing

KAMLOOPS – A major makeover could be coming to 3260 Westsyde Rd. if a proposal being sent to public hearing gets approval.

The property is located on Westsyde Road between Bebek and Wawn Roads adjacent to Westsyde Secondary School. It currently stands as a large vacant lot and the owner wants to build a total of 60 units — 18 single duplexes and six duplexes with secondary suites.

The property was zoned to accommodate commercial development in 2011. However, with the advent of the recent Westsyde Shopping Centre at 3435 Westsyde Rd., there is little need for another in the area and the property owner is asking for the zoning to be switched to residential.

When asked whether a mix of residential and commercial was considered, the representative for the company said it was. However, forcing mixed use was deemed too difficult. If market demands, at a later time, commercial properties could be considered he noted.

The conversation regarding the property moved to traffic, both foot and vehicle. The developer has no intention of widening the existing foot paths, however, of its own volition, plans to pave the path, which is currently a dirt foot trail leading to the school. Coun. Ken Christian questioned traffic in the area, particularly the difficulty in turning left onto a busy Westsyde Road. He concluded the conversation by asking for input from the city’s traffic and transportation section.

The matter will no go to a public hearing for input from the neighbourhood.

There have been some residential development in the area in recent years, including development around The Dunes golf course, on Ida Lane and several smaller complexes.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Dana Reynolds at dreynolds@infonews.ca or call 250-819-6089. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.