Student housing units proposed for Rutland

Rezoning of 3 properties sought to allow 94-unit project

Three Rutland properties could be transformed into 94 student housing units.

Unik Town Development Inc. is proposing the rezoning of 360 McIntosh Rd. and 345 and 365 Dougall Rd. to the medium-density multiple housing zone from the large-lot housing zone.

The proposal is for a 4.5-storey building consisting of 94 units of primarily student housing, including 89 micro suites, three one-bedroom suites and two twobedroom suites.

Also proposed is a parkade, a small surface parking lot, a common rooftop area and bicycle storage.

“A fairly significant part of this development application is the applicant wants to provide a carshare program,” said Terry Barton, city planner, adding the applicant is proposing having four car-share spots in Rutland.

Coun. Ryan Donn raised a concern about the lack of a car-share bylaw, which Barton said could be dealt with at a later date.

“If it came to the point where we need to bring forward this application in lieu of not having a parking program, this is such a significant community amenity, I feel we would bring it forth as an exception if we didn’t have the policy in place,” said Barton.

Coun. Luke Stack said he was pleased with the proposed location of the development, with it being close to a bus route and the town centre.

“I too am very interested in the car-share program concept, and would encourage staff and the applicant to continue working on that,” he said.

Coun. Brad Sieben said this development is exactly the type that has been envisioned for Rutland.

Council gave first reading to the rezoning amendment Monday, which means it will now go to a public hearing.