Council has successfully fast-tracked a rezoning bylaw for 25 undeveloped lots on Mulberry Street at its May 27 meeting, bypassing the standard recommendation to give three readings only and choosing instead to approve the bylaw immediately.
“Having read this application thoroughly, and hearing the explanation of where the current sidewalk is, I think it’s prudent we not slow things down,” said Councillor Mario Feldhoff.
The rezoning changes the lots from R1-B to R2-A, allowing for secondary dwellings such as suites or accessory units. The amendment brings the parcels in line with existing zoning elsewhere in Strawberry Meadows. The request was brought forward by developer Jack Oviatt, representing Giant Spruce Enterprises, a company owned by his daughter, Stacey Oviatt.
Oviatt has previously told council that despite competitive pricing, none of the lots have sold under the existing zoning, and that buyers increasingly seek properties that allow income-generating suites. He said a builder is ready to begin construction on two homes as soon as the zoning is confirmed.
The fast-track decision follows a unanimous vote on April 22 to support the rezoning in principle. To keep the process moving, council agreed to run the required public notification and referral to the Advisory Planning Commission (APC) in parallel, rather than sequentially.
“There is no current owners being affected. This is a good opportunity for the developer ... to create more homes,” said Councillor Graham Pitzel, noting that the lots are vacant and located on the fringe of Strawberry Meadows.
As of the May 27 meeting, no public comments had been received regarding the application.
Attention also turned to a staff recommendation for a new crosswalk at Loganberry Avenue to improve pedestrian access from the development area. District staff cited connectivity and safety as the rationale.
But Jack Oviatt, who also developed the surrounding Strawberry Meadows neighbourhood, opposed the suggested location.
“I don’t think we should be encouraging people to cross Loganberry when there is already a perfectly safe sidewalk that is exactly the same distance from town,” he said.
He argued the neighbourhood was designed with sidewalk access to Quatsino Boulevard, and that installing a crosswalk at Loganberry would encourage unnecessary crossings and worsen traffic conditions. He pointed to past congestion caused by a nearby construction camp and warned of similar backups if traffic is interrupted.
He urged council to instead consider a crosswalk where the Oviatt Bike Park connects to Daudet Creek Trail, describing it as a busy route used by children.
“That location definitely needs a crosswalk. The kids come at 5 o’clock at night and they can’t get across. The traffic is horrendous,” he said. “If we put in a crosswalk at Loganberry Avenue, the chances of getting one where it’s necessary would be slim.”
Councillor Graham Pitzel supported further consideration of crosswalk needs as development proceeds. “I don’t think a crosswalk needs to be in place prior to this being approved, but I do believe that as this starts to get built out, it’s something we should look at,” he said. He also stressed that the trail near the bike park requires attention regardless of the rezoning. “It is a heavily traversed area, not just by kids on bikes but quads and side-by-sides — people fly off that trail with almost zero regard for traffic.”
Staff confirmed they are already examining crosswalk options near the bike park, as directed in a previous meeting. The director of engineering agreed with Pitzel’s assessment, noting it would be prudent to observe where pedestrians naturally cross before finalizing the location of new infrastructure.
Oviatt also used the opportunity to revisit technical matters from a previous council session, including setbacks and snow removal.
The rezoning applies only to the 25 lots on Mulberry Street and does not affect other properties in Kitimat. District staff have confirmed there are no infrastructure constraints that would prevent development under the new zoning.
