A public hearing was held June 10 to address a land use amendment in the Willows of River Heights that would redesignate just over 11 hectares and allow for the development of a variety of housing types in the south-Cochrane neighbourhood.
Of the 11 hectares, 10.21 has been proposed to be used for mixed housing types.
A small section – 0.3 hectares – along the north border would provide space for a street-oriented townhouse development, which will face onto River Heights Drive.
The townhouse is expected to encompass just over 100 units, and would not have front-garage access, eliminating the need for vehicles to cross the sidewalk, reducing any conflict between pedestrians and vehicles, creating a safer pedestrian environment.
Councillor Jeff Toews questioned the fact that the R-3 land designation where the townhouse would be constructed would not allow for any visitor parking on River Heights Drive, meaning visitors to residents of the building would be required to park on nearby streets in the area.
Parking for residents of the building would be provided on site.
The final .52 hectares would be labeled under municipal reserve in the form of a future shared school site adjacent to Bow Valley High School, enabling the two schools to share playing fields and reduce the size of the school site.
