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Wilson Crescent “Micro Plan” October 2018
Schedule A
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 2 October 2018
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 3
PLAN PURPOSE .............................................................................................................................. 3
PLAN AREA ................................................................................................................................... 3
PUBLIC INPUT ................................................................................................................................ 4
2. PLANNING CONTEXT........................................................................................................ 5
OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN (OCP) .................................................................................................. 5
CURRENT ZONING .......................................................................................................................... 5
HERITAGE VALUES .......................................................................................................................... 6
3. EXISTING CONDITIONS | DEVELOPMENT ISSUES ............................................................... 7
LAND USE ..................................................................................................................................... 7
EXISTING RENTAL HOUSING ............................................................................................................. 9
FLOOD HAZARD ............................................................................................................................. 9
ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................................................ 11
FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO WILSON SLOUGH .................................................................................. 12
SERVICING AND INFRASTRUCTURE ................................................................................................... 13
ROADS ....................................................................................................................................... 14
4. WILSON CRESCENT AREA GUIDELINES ............................................................................ 16
List of Figures
Figure 1 Plan Area .................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 2 Current Zoning .......................................................................................................... 5
Figure 3 Overview- Current Zoning Bylaw Regulations ....................................................... 6
Figure 4 Current Housing Units By Zone* ............................................................................. 8
Figure 5 Wilson Crescent Land Use 2018 ............................................................................. 8
Figure 6 Flood Hazard – Primary and Secondary Floodways ........................................... 10
Figure 7 Flood Hazard Conditional Densification Areas .................................................... 10
Figure 8 Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) ............................................................... 11
Figure 9 Riparian Assessment Areas (DPA 1) ..................................................................... 11
Figure 10 Existing Servicing Infrastructure ............................................................................ 13
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 3 October 2018
1. Introduction
The Wilson Creek neighbourhood is a residential area close to Downtown Squamish that
has a number of unique characteristics and challenges for future infill growth. The
neighbourhood is a quiet and relatively sheltered area away from primary roads, yet is
located adjacent to elementary and secondary schools, recreational trails and within
walking distance of the Downtown. The neighbourhood contains a mix of housing types –
single family, duplex, townhouse and apartments – with both older and newer buildings.
Although the area has been zoned for multiple dwelling units for several decades, the
predominant land use is single family homes, many of which are located on larger lots
that are now becoming attractive for infill redevelopment.
There has been limited upgrade of the internal one-way road system, which is lacking a
safe pedestrian/bike route or sufficient street lights. On-street parking currently
dominates much of the streetscape.
Plan Purpose
The intent of the Wilson Crescent “Micro
Plan” is to review the development issues
and future development potential in the
area, within the context of resident views
on changes to the neighbourhood. The
plan provides a series of guidelines to be
used by staff and Council in evaluating
future development applications and
priorities for infrastructure upgrades. The
guidelines also provide early direction to
future developers on the issues and
expectations in the neighbourhood.
Plan Area
The plan area is located west of Buckley
Avenue and encompasses the Wilson
Crescent “loop” and McNamee Place as
shown on Figure 1. The Wilson Crescent
plan area is part of the broader Dentville
neighbourhood.
Figure 1 Plan Area
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 4 October 2018
Public Input
The District of Squamish completed a public engagement process in preparing the
guidelines for the Wilson Crescent neighbourhood, intended to build on the extensive
public process that took place during the overall OCP update in 2016/17. The public
consultation for the Wilson Crescent plan consisted of a mail out to residents/property
owners, a web page on the District website, an online survey and a public open house
held in May 2018. The Open House provided background information and requested
response on specific issues.
The District received extensive input from residents, with some 85 survey responses and
more than 40 attendees at the Open House. Input received consisted of a very wide
range of comments and opinions, but clearly indicating a preference from many owners
to maintain the current single family character. Considerable concern was noted
regarding the impact of higher buildings on immediately adjacent single dwelling units.
However, other respondents supported new development and additional density,
indicating the significant demand for new housing in Squamish. Many comments were
also received regarding the lack of pedestrian safety and the need for a neighbourhood
“focal point” or gathering space. Although the school is nearby, there is need for some
type of open space internally within the neighbourhood.
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 5 October 2018
2. Planning Context
The Official Community Plan (OCP), zoning and other designations applicable to the
Wilson Crescent neighbourhood are outlined in the following sections.
Official Community Plan (OCP)
The OCP designates the Wilson Crescent neighbourhood as Residential, which provides for
a wide range of diverse housing types with a focus on medium-density housing to address
what is known as the “missing middle” housing forms. These housing forms include
duplex, townhouse, triplex and stacked units. OCP policies support increased density in
all Squamish neighbourhoods. No specific density is established in the OCP, but policies
are intended to increase the proportion and size range of attached multifamily housing.
Residential infill that contributes to compact neighbourhoods and maximizes efficient use
of municipal transportation systems and infrastructure is also supported. The Wilson
Crescent neighbourhood, with its current mix of housing, provides an example of housing
diversity, although overall density is lower than is common in new developments today.
Current Zoning
The current zoning in the
neighbourhood is a mix of
residential zones, predominantly
Residential Multiple Unit One (RM-
1), Residential Multiple Unit Two
(RM-2) and Residential Multiple
Unit Three (RM-3), with a few Small-
Lot Residential zoned properties
(RS-3 ) properties as shown on
Figure 2. One vacant R-4 zoned
parcel is also located on McNamee
Place.
The key provisions of the existing
zones are shown in Figure 3 table.
As shown, density ranges from 0.6
FAR to 1.0 FAR for the three existing
zones. These densities are typical of
multifamily housing from the past
decades. For new development
today, density is often at least 25%
higher for the same housing forms.
Figure 2 Current Zoning
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 6 October 2018
Heritage Values
As one of the early settled neighbourhoods in
Squamish, there are a number of homes in the
Wilson Crescent neighbourhood identified in the
1993 heritage inventory for the District of
Squamish1 as having heritage value. Two notable
examples include the
Barnfield/Merchant
House (1020 Wilson
Crescent) built in
1910 as the Squamish
Indian Band school,
later to become the
first dairy in
Squamish.2 The
McCormack home
(1114 Wilson Crescent) was built in the 1920’s.
While the District’s OCP policies do not mandate
preservation of buildings with heritage value, the
Wilson Crescent guidelines support retention of
these buildings with any redevelopment, with
potential additional density as an incentive.
1 Correspondence from Eric Anderson, 2018
2 Personal correspondence from resident
Figure 3 Overview- Current Zoning Bylaw Regulations
RM-1 RM-2 RM-3
Housing types* Townhouse,
duplex
Townhouse,
duplex
Apartment
Maximum height 10.68m 10.68m 15.0m
Maximum density 0.6 FAR 0.8 FAR 1.0 FAR
Maximum lot coverage 33% 40% 50%
* Note: all zones permit lodging and rooming house, child care facility. RM-1 zone
also allows community care and assisted living facilities.
Renovated home on Wilson Crescent is an example of retaining heritage qualities
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 7 October 2018
3. Existing Conditions | Development Issues
Land Use
Currently, the Wilson Crescent neighbourhood consists of a mix of single family dwellings
of various ages (older through to new), apartments and townhouses (Wilson Village,
Tantalus Manor and Strathmore Lodge) and more recent townhouse developments (the
Current on Wilson Crescent and Arbutus Grove on Buckley Avenue). Although the
majority of parcels in the neighbourhood have been zoned RM-1 for several decades,
most of the lots in this zone are
currently used for single family
homes. Under the current zoning
bylaw, single dwelling units are no
longer permitted in the RM-1
zone. Density on some of the
older multifamily properties is
generally lower than would likely
be built today, and most have
surface parking lots rather than
ground level parking within the
building. Older multifamily
developments and other homes
are generally not built to current flood protection standards.
The following Figure 3 table and Figure 4 graph outline current land uses by zone. As
shown, there are 38 parcels in use for single dwelling units, with 41 units representing just
13% of total housing units in the neighbourhood. By comparison, the number of multiple
dwelling units is considerably higher, with 264 units representing 87 % of housing units in
the neighbourhood. The multifamily units are a mix of apartments and townhouses,
including both rental and strata units.
Much of the neighbourhood has a semi-rural character with large lots and open views.
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 8 October 2018
Figure 4 Current Housing Units By Zone*
* Number do not include any secondary suites
Figure 5 Wilson Crescent Land Use 2018
Zone Uses Parcels
Zoned Current Use Units
RS-3 Residential Small Lot (250 m2)
5 Single detached residential* 5 SF
R-4 Residential 1 Vacant 0
RM-1 Multiple Unit Residential 1 (Low Density)
36
Single detached residential* (33 parcels)
33 SF
Multi-unit (3 parcels) 79 MF
RM-2 Multiple Unit Residential 2 (Medium Density)
8
Multi-unit (5 parcels)
93 MF
Single detached (3 parcels)
3 SF
RM-3 Multiple Unit Residential 3 (Apartment)
2 Multi-unit 82 MF
CD-78 Transitional housing 1 Assisted Living, shelter 10 MF
Totals 53 Total
305 Total 41 SF (13%)
264 MF (87%)
5
33
0
79
93
82
10
0 50 100
RS-3 (Residential Small Lot)
R-4 (Residential)
RM-1 (Low Density/Townhouse)
RM-2 (Medium …
RM-3 (Apartment)
CD-78
Multifamily
Single family
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 9 October 2018
Existing Rental Housing
The Wilson Crescent neighbourhood contains a large supply of rental housing, important
to the overall Squamish community as well as the local neighbourhood. Of the 53 total
parcels, five properties contain non-stratified multiple-unit development, most of which
are rental homes (others are individually owned). These five properties account for
approximately 160 dwelling units, half of
all homes in the Wilson Crescent
neighbourhood.
While four properties each have a single
owner, one property (approximately 24
dwellings) has multiple owners with
individual shares of the property. Some
owners reside in the building while others
appear to be investors under a numbered company owning multiple units each. None of
the five non-strata rental parcels have a housing agreement in place. With any future
redevelopment of rental housing properties, OCP policies regarding replacement housing
apply and the District will typically seek to secure affordable rental housing formally
through a Housing Agreement (covenant).
Flood Hazard
The entire Wilson Crescent neighbourhood is within the Squamish flood hazard area. Any
new construction must meet the flood construction level (FCL) and other requirements of
the District Floodplain Management Bylaw. Effectively this means that the first storey of
new buildings will be used for non-habitable uses such as parking and/or storage, with
living space on upper floors. Some lands on the perimeter of the neighbourhood, and the
Wilson Crescent, McNamee Place and Buckley Avenue roadways are also designated as
Secondary Floodways as shown on Figure 6. These floodways are critical for conveying
floodwaters in the event of a dike breach. Properties designated as secondary floodways
must obtain a Development Permit in accordance with DPA 2 guidelines. A small area at
the north end of the neighbourhood is also within a Conditional Densification Area as
shown on Figure 7. Additional measures may be required with any future redevelopment
of these properties, and development potential may be affected, subject to site-specific
assessment during any future application process.
Rental housing is an important land use in the neighbourhood
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 10 October 2018
Figure 6 Flood Hazard – Primary and Secondary Floodways
Figure 7 Flood Hazard Conditional Densification Areas
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 11 October 2018
Environment
The lands on the perimeter of the
Wilson Crescent neighbourhood are
designated as high and medium
environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs)
as shown on Figure 8, reflecting the t
Wilson Slough watercourse to the
north and Squamish estuary to the
west.
The lands adjacent to the ESAs are also
within a Riparian Assessment Area as
shown on Figure 9, meaning that a
Development Permit application under
OCP DPA No.1 (Protection of the
Natural Environment) must be
submitted prior to any new
development. In general, new
development must be modified to
avoid impacts on riparian areas and/or
provide approved habitat
compensation in accordance with the
DPA guidelines.3
3 https://squamish.civicweb.net/filepro/document/157587/BYL2500%20Schedule%20A.pdf
Figure 8 Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs)
Figure 9 Riparian Assessment Areas (DPA 1)
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 12 October 2018
Future Improvements to Wilson Slough
The Wilson Slough and surrounding treed/riparian area is not well managed at present –
vehicles are parked in the treed/riparian zone, and garbage appears to be dumped in this
area. The Squamish Streamkeepers,
Squamish Trails Society and other local
groups have advised they have
cleaned up the riparian areas and the
slough itself on many occasions, and
note concerns with debris blocking the
culvert on the west side of Buckley
Avenue, preventing adult salmon from
accessing the top west end of Wilson
Slough.4
This area, however, has the potential
to become an important
neighbourhood amenity as well as a
much improved riparian area. Most of
the riparian area is Crown land and
there is opportunity to work with
Federal and Provincial agencies and
community groups to establish a
protected riparian zone, establish
curbs/managed parking, and restore
riparian plantings. This could
potentially include a trail with
interpretive signage (subject to design
and agency approvals). In the long
term, it may be possible to extend a
trail to Buckley Avenue if
redevelopment takes place on the
church site (38647 Buckley Avenue)
4 Personal correspondence from J.Cooley (Squamish Streamkeepers Co-Chair), June 2018
Parking is common along the Wilson Slough riparian area
Potential future trail located on Crown land at Wilson Slough
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 13 October 2018
Servicing and Infrastructure
As an older Squamish neighbourhood, the Wilson Crescent area has a number of potential
deficiencies in the water, sanitary sewer and drainage infrastructure. New developments
will need to undertake water and sewer modeling to identify any upgrades required
(either individually or jointly for a larger service area). Typical to this part of Squamish,
the area is low-lying with a high water table and stormwater management plans to
manage on-site and off-site drainage are required prior to any new development.
Existing services in the neighbourhood are shown on Figure 10.
Figure 10 Existing Servicing Infrastructure
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 14 October 2018
District Initiatives
Some planned District initiatives will assist in servicing upgrades for this neighbourhood,
including:
Water system upgrades for 2018 and beyond will improve fire flows in most of the
area, however, these upgrades may be phased over several years;
A new stormwater management initiative is planned within the next few years as
one of the first priorities of the Integrated Stormwater Management Plan. This
will involve an inventory of available data and infrastructure, establishing
catchment areas and identifying potential measures to improve drainage in this
large and complex drainage area; and
The Buckley lift station (sanitary sewer) that services much of the neighbourhood
is being replaced in 2018.
Roads
The current narrow road right of way, lack of pedestrian facilities, unmanaged/ extensive
street parking, and difficult intersections with Buckley Avenue were the key concerns
raised by area residents during public consultation. Some of these issues will be improved
incrementally with future development, but District initiatives/funding may be required to
create more immediate improvements to the neighbourhood roads and pedestrian
safety.
With any new development, frontage improvements to District bylaw standards will be
required (typically include curb, gutter, sidewalk, street lighting and underground
services). Currently, the Wilson Crescent right of way is approximately 10m in width (but
varies throughout the neighbourhood). Due to the established pattern of development, it
is unlikely that additional right of way can be acquired to achieve a more typical 20 metre
right of way for a two-way road. The one-way road system is therefore proposed to
remain, but improvements can be made to create a safer environment for pedestrians
and better management of on-street parking. The future road configuration will likely
involve a shared pathway/sidewalk on one side of the street and pods of street parking on
the opposite side, with landscape islands between. With any redevelopment of sites at
the north end of McNamee Place, construction of a more adequate roadway will be a key
issue.
The concept of a rear vehicle lane or a rear pedestrian route running east-west parallel to
the two arms of Wilson Crescent was considered during preparation of this plan, but was
not pursued due to existing building locations, the lengthy period of time involved in
acquiring the right of way, and poor intersection safety (for vehicles) at Buckley Avenue.
For these reasons, a mid-block walkway is being recommended as a better solution to
improve pedestrian movement in the neighbourhood. The mid-block trail could
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 15 October 2018
potentially link up with
the Wilson Slough trail,
creating much
improved active
transportation routes.
Typical roadside parking on Wilson Crescent
Wide intersection Wilson Crescent/Buckley does not slow traffic
Future landscape improvements at intersections can slow traffic, improve pedestrian safety and neighbourhood appearance (conceptual image only)
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 16 October 2018
4. Wilson Crescent Area Guidelines
Based on the review of planning and infrastructure issues in the Wilson Crescent
neighbourhood, a number of planning principles have been developed to guide future
development. The following guidelines reflect comments received from residents,
property owners, District of Squamish Council and the Advisory Design Panel, and will be
used to evaluate new development applications. The guidelines are also influenced by
community planning principles and the overall growth management policies of the
District’s Official Community Plan. The main intent of the guidelines is to guide modest
changes in housing types and density, with a focus on careful integration of new
development within the existing mixed-use residential neighbourhood. To implement
these policies and guidelines, some amendments to the RM-1 Zone are recommended to
allow for additional infill housing forms. For more significant changes to land use or
density, the rezoning process will be required.
Neighbourhood Goals
1. To continue fostering a unique mix of housing that provides additional density forms over time, while respecting the existing scale and character of the neighbourhood.
2. To improve infrastructure in the neighbourhood, particularly to address safety for pedestrians and cyclists and existing deficiencies in other utility services.
3. To improve neighbourhood amenities.
Residential density; Gentle Infill
4. Throughout the areas currently zoned RM-1, a broader mix of infill housing types is supported. This will allow for uses such as clustered small homes, second (or more) additional dwellings, flex units within townhouses, row housing and laneway/carriage homes. (Implementation: Zoning Bylaw amendment)
5. Infill housing, including additional dwelling units on a parcel, may be strata-titled to increase affordable home ownership. (Implementation: Council policy; Zoning Bylaw amendment)
6. In addition to townhouses and duplex uses currently permitted, small-scale apartments to 0.6 FAR are supported in the RM-1 zone. (Implementation: Zoning Bylaw amendment).
Infill housing units can provide additional density while retaining the scale of the neighbourhood
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 17 October 2018
7. Rezoning to support new single dwelling units on conventional lots is not supported. Rezoning to small-lot residential may be considered where additional density is provided over current conditions and the homes are limited in size. (Implementation: Zoning Bylaw amendment).
Lot Consolidations
8. To preserve the scale of the neighbourhood, no more than 2 individual parcels should be consolidated for redevelopment within the RM-1 zone, to a maximum parcel size of 3000 m2 (0.75 acres). (Implementation: Zoning Bylaw amendment)
9. Lot consolidations in the RM-1 zone that create parcels larger than 3000 m2 require rezoning.
Building Scale
10. New development on parcels larger than 3000 m2 shall consist of several individual buildings on the property rather than a single large building.
11. New development should provide permeability through the site and avoid large unbroken blocks of buildings.
Building Heights
12. Buildings should be a maximum of 3 storeys for properties located on Wilson Crescent, east of the bend in the Wilson Crescent loop.
13. Properties currently zoned RM-2 (townhouse) and RM-3 (apartment) west of the bend in the Wilson Crescent loop should be the primary location of higher density housing, particularly for future uses higher than 3 storeys, provided that flood protection and the impact of upper storeys on character of the neighbourhood are addressed. No more than 5 storeys should be supported through the rezoning process.
Heritage Values
14. Where possible, preserve homes with heritage value as identified in the Squamish Heritage Inventory and integrate these homes with the new development. Additional density on the site will be considered if these homes are preserved.
Building mass is less prominent when broken into two buildings with interior courtyard
Additional dwelling units can reflect the character of existing older homes with heritage value
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 18 October 2018
Retain Rental Housing
15. To protect existing rental housing, rental zoning will be established on existing larger rental housing sites.
16. Rezoning or redevelopment of existing rental apartments will be required to demonstrate a net gain in affordable housing, and address tenant displacement and relocation assistance in accordance with OCP policies. (Implementation: OCP Policy 12.8.l)
Neighbourhood Commercial
17. Limited local commercial uses should be considered with additional residential density, provided the commercial use directly benefits the surrounding neighbourhood.
Neighbourhood Amenities + Community Benefits
18. Properties developing under existing zoning and not requesting any variances are not required to provide community amenity contributions (CACs) under District policy, but are encouraged to consider the identified community needs with any redevelopment.
19. All new developments seeking rezoning for additional density will be required to provide community amenity contributions (CACs) in accordance with District policy. Amenities should provide direct benefit to the neighbourhood as much as possible.
20. Priorities for community benefits in the Wilson Crescent neighbourhood (beyond standard bylaw requirements) are:
(a) Purpose built market rental housing;
(b) Secured affordable rental housing (with a Housing Agreement with the District);
(c) A mid-block pedestrian pathway (approximately 3.0m width) in the general vicinity shown in the adjacent sketch;
A future walkway would improve pedestrian circulation; to be acquired or negotiated if rezoning applications are submitted in this area
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 19 October 2018
(d) “Pocket parks” on the parcel frontage and/or adjacent road allowance to create small, informal meeting spaces that are open and inviting to all areas residents, with public access formalized through a covenant with the District (where appropriate);
(e) Shared “pocket parks” between neighbouring properties is encourage to create larger park areas;
(f) Small active parks to provide local play areas;
Pocket parks provide casual meeting and play areas
Parks located between adjoining properties can provide a larger, more useable park area
A relatively small space can provide a shared playground
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 20 October 2018
(g) Habitat improvements and other possible upgrades to the Wilson Slough riparian area (Crown land) to create a defined road edge (curb), parking spaces, pedestrian trail, removal of invasive species and replanting. This process would require an initial assessment and plan, Development Permit issued by the District and required provincial/federal approvals. This work may be done in partnership with local environmental and trails organizations;
(h) Additional road frontage improvements beyond the development site (i.e. extending sidewalk, curb, gutter and street lights);
(i) Intersection improvements at Wilson Crescent/Buckley Avenue in conjunction with the District of Squamish – i.e. improved sightlines, improved signage, improved pedestrian crossings, landscape islands to better direct traffic;
(j) Servicing studies to identify drainage, water and sewer servicing requirements for a broader area beyond the development site will be considered a neighbourhood amenity;
(k) Preservation of existing heritage values.
Potential location(s) of Wilson Slough trail
Landscape islands can direct and slow traffic and provide a community amenity
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 21 October 2018
Servicing, Roads and Pedestrian Safety
21. A modified approach to road development is supported in this neighbourhood given the narrow existing right of way widths. With new development applications, road upgrades will generally consist of:
(a) a single lane of one-way traffic on Wilson Crescent;
(b) a paved multi-use path/sidewalk to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists, located on one side of each road;
(c) defined parking “pods” on the opposite side to the multi-use path, with landscape islands between parking areas where possible;
(d) curb, gutter, streetlights and stormwater management as per District bylaws.
Development Permit Guidelines: Fit With Existing Neighbourhood
22. OCP Development Permit Area guidelines (DPA 3 – Universal Guidelines) apply to all new multi-family residential development in Squamish, including the Wilson Crescent neighbourhood. Some of the more relevant DPA 3 guidelines are highlighted below, as well as new guidelines specific to the Wilson Crescent neighbourhood:
(a) Create a welcoming streetscape with new development, with detailed windows, doors and low fencing on the street edge. Reduced front setbacks may be considered where this is achieved;
(b) Create visually distinct entrances for individual units (OCP 36.10.e);
(c) Provide appropriate and sensitive transitions between different scales of buildings (OCP 36.11.c);
Future parking pods to provide safer, more organized streetscape
Townhouse units with window and door details creating attractive streetscape
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 22 October 2018
(d) Upper storeys above the second storey to be stepped back to reduce building massing (OCP 36.10.b and c);
(e) New development should minimize overlooking of adjacent properties through careful placement of windows and outdoor spaces such as patios and balconies;
(f) New development should be sensitive to existing grades on adjacent parcels and avoid abrupt changes in grade;
(g) Provide publicly accessible landscaping to create “parkettes” at the street edge with benches/seating areas;
(h) Open space within new developments should be situated in an area that is adjacent to public rights of way and/or adjacent properties to allow for opportunities to share open spaces within the community;
(i) Provide internal pedestrian pathways or sidewalks which connect to each unit. Public pedestrian mid-block connections are encouraged (OCP 36.5.g);
(j) Increased interior sideyards to be provided (beyond the current 4.57m zoning bylaw setback requirement) where new 3-storey or higher buildings are proposed adjacent to lower density/height uses;
Step back upper storeys to reduce massing of new buildings
Seating areas create an active streetscape
Wilson Crescent “Micro” Plan 23 October 2018
(k) Wherever possible parking should be located at the rear of the site to retain a traditional streetscape; interior courtyards should not be dominated by parking;
(l) New construction within 300 metres of rail lines shall provide a “save harmless” covenant to the District, and be constructed using strategies outlined in “Guidelines for New Development in Proximity to Railway” prepared by CN Rail as much as possible.
Variances
23. Variances of zoning bylaw regulations for building height, gross floor area (FAR), building setbacks or parking are not supported except where:
(a) there is a demonstrated need for the variance in order to permit reasonable use of the property;
(b) the variance does not appear to establish a precedent for other properties, but responds to unusual site conditions that cannot be accommodated within bylaw requirements;
(c) the variance will result in development that is compatible in the context of surrounding uses;
(d) any proposed variance to parking standards is compensated by provision of a shared parking area/parking lot that creates more flexibile use and sharing of of parking spaces; and
(e) the original intent of the bylaw requirement or standard is not compromised.
Parking at rear retains front entrances along the street
Courtyards should be landscaped and not dominated by parking