A long-standing eyesore in the Lake Country area will soon be demolished and redeveloped into a rental residential building.
This week Lake Country councillors unanimously agreed to issue a development permit that will see the former Airport Inn Lakeside hotel torn down.
A total of 364 units will be constructed in four six-storey buildings on the site, a staff report said.
There would be a mix of studio, one and two bedroom units. Over 500 parking units would be provided.
“The District of Lake Country’s population continues to increase, adding to the supply of rental housing necessary to meet the housing needs of the community,” the report said.
“The proposed development would increase the supply of rental housing in Woodsdale, an area undergoing increased development.”
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Although the project would be in line with Lake Country’s Multiple Family Development Permit Area guidelines, the developer proposed three zoning bylaw variances to vary side yard setbacks, the height of retaining walls and the daylighting standards.
Staff said they were supportive of the variances. Municipal councillors were not opposed to the variances and supported the project.
The building would be operated as a long-term rental development with a covenant in place for 50 years.
Mayor Blair Ireland jokingly urged the developer to “to go tear that thing down,” referring to the abandoned hotel off the highway, and asked if it could be done Tuesday night.
Next steps will see building permits issued.
