CANMORE – A change to the Land Use Bylaw, unanimously approved by council, restricting the number of tourist homes permitted in fourplexes on Second Avenue in Canmore, is up for reconsideration.
The change was put forward by Councillor Joanna McCallum at second reading of an amendment bylaw that would incorporate the newly approved Teepee Town area redevelopment plan (ASP) updates into the Land Use Bylaw (LUB).
Even though he supported the idea of only allowing one tourist home per fourplex in this specific area of the Teepee Town neighbourhood, Coun. Rob Seeley said on Nov. 3 he would like council to reconsider its decision.
"At the Dec. 1 council meeting, I intend to make the following motion," Seeley said. "That council reconsider the decision made by motion 201B-2020 – 'the maximum density for tourist home units shall be one per 570 metres squared of lot area' in Teepee Town on Second Avenue."
In order to reconsider an approved motion by council, a two thirds majority is requred. Seeley said if successful, he intends to put forward a new bylaw to give first reading and set a public hearing for Jan. 5, 2021 to amend the LUB.
"Since the passing of this bylaw, council and administration have received immediate and significant feedback with respect to the tourist home zoning limitations," Seeley said. "With a new more informed understanding of limiting the number to one tourist home unit, I advocate for further consideration."
He said he will propose to increase the number of permitted tourist homes to two, per 570 square metres of lot area.
"I believe this area of Teepee Town is well situated for the tourist home zoning," Seeley said. "By giving the bylaw first reading and setting a date for a new public hearing, we will be able to hear directly from those impacted whether this change would allow for better flexibility, while maintaining for the Teepee Town community."
Administration began a formal review of the Teepee Town ARP in 2017 and council ultimately adopted a new plan earlier this year that incorporated a number of changes that were created in consultation with residents of the neighbourhood.
One of the changes recommended by municipal planners was to make ground floor commercial development mandatory for the ground floor level along Second Avenue. It also considered allowing tourist homes as a permitted use along that specific block, which fronts onto Bow Valley Trail.
Feedback at a public hearing saw community members speak out about making commercial mandatory, which resulted in council ultimately removing it from the bylaw.
