A push to rezone 25 long-dormant lots on Mulberry Street to allow secondary dwellings is moving ahead with council’s full backing after a unanimous vote on April 22.
“Despite our best efforts we have been unsuccessful in selling any of the lots under the current zoning,” said Jack Oviatt. “Over the past few years not a single lot has sold, and there’s been little or no interest despite competitive pricing with other lots in the area.”
Oviatt, representing Giant Spruce Enterprises, applied to rezone the parcels from R1-B – One Family Residential Zone to R2-A – Two Family Residential Zone. The proposed change would allow both attached and detached secondary dwellings on each lot, such as suites or accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are already permitted elsewhere in Strawberry Meadows.
Oviatt told council that allowing secondary suites — a common feature in other parts of Strawberry Meadows — would provide flexibility for buyers and could help drive long-awaited sales. “This would help kickstart the development of the neighbourhood and demonstrate the viability of the concept,” he said.
He said he has a builder ready to begin construction on two homes immediately if the zoning is approved, stressing that “time is of the essence.” He also urged council to bypass the application’s referral to the Advisory Planning Commission to avoid further delays.
“Many people find it easier to purchase homes where there is an income suite available, as it helps manage their mortgage expenses,” Oviatt added.
Councillor Graham Pitzel supported the request to expedite the process, noting the lots remain vacant and are located at the edge of Strawberry Meadows with no existing homeowners who might object to increased density.
“There is no current owners being affected. This is a good opportunity for the developer ... to create more homes,” said Pitzel.
Councillor Mario Feldhoff asked staff to provide a timeline and suggested that if the referral to the APC does not expedite the process, it should be skipped altogether. He acknowledged the value of the commission’s input but said the developer’s request to move quickly was reasonable.
Councillor Gerry Leibel supported Feldhoff’s stance, while expressing confidence that the APC could deliver a fast turnaround.
Ultimately, staff proposed running the APC referral and public notification processes in parallel. Staff also clarified that regular outreach requirements would still apply, but concurrent steps could keep the process moving without delay.
Mulberry Street is one of the few parts of Strawberry Meadows still zoned exclusively for single-family homes. Staff noted that around 170 properties nearby already permit secondary dwellings under different zoning designations. The proposed rezoning and accompanying text amendment would apply only to the 25 subject parcels and not to any other properties in Kitimat.
There are no infrastructure limitations preventing additional dwellings, according to district staff.
The request aligns with future provincial zoning changes under Bill 44, which mandates that municipalities allow three to six housing units per lot, depending on location. Kitimat has received a six-year extension and must comply with the legislation by Dec. 31, 2030.
Public notice will be issued as required, although a formal public hearing is not permitted under Bill 44 for residential rezonings that are consistent with the Official Community Plan.
