Photo: Horizon North

BC Housing made good on a second chance at designing a 46-unit supportive housing complex on Commerce Avenue.

Neighbours in the mainly commercial area off Enterprise Way were not happy with the original design, which came to the city late last year.

"The original proposal was slightly different. It was a single storey complex made up of modular units that were being repurposed from another location," said city planner Ryan Smith.

The new design is for a three-storey building which councillors said looks like a commercial building, which fits in with the neighbourhood,.

"I want to thank BC Housing, our partners for helping make this happen, and bringing it back in a more pleasing form for the neighbourhood and council," said Mayor Colin Basran.

The building, which could house up to 52 people, is meant to be temporary, said Smith.

BC Housing has a four-year lease on the now-vacant property, with the possibility of a three-year extension.

"The building could be moved to another location. It's that type of building that can be disassembled, "added Smith.

Not everyone on council agreed with the design, or location.

Coun. Brad Sieben took issue with the fact planners said the development only met the city's minimum standards, saying if it was any other application, it would be given higher scrutiny.

"I think we are bending the rules because of the need of this, and for me as much as I know there is a reason and rational, I don't think it's the right procedure," said Sieben. "I think it's precedent setting, and I think it's hard to hold other developers in the future accountable for form and character."

"I can't disagree more," countered Coun. Luke Stack. "To me it looks like a commercial building, and we've approved many commercial buildings up and down Highway 97 that look very similar to this and other industrial sites that aren't as attractive as this."

Coun. Gail Given said she looks forward to a very successful seven years.

"Hopefully we see sufficient enough housing in our community that this doesn't need to carry on for the renewal because that would be the ultimate success if we had sufficient housing built in our community."