Four-storey condo complex pitched for Glenmore

A four-storey condo building being proposed for a corner lot that has long stood vacant in Glenmore is getting widespread backing from city councillors. And at least one of them wants it to be taller.

Councillors support a rezoning application for the estimated 29-unit project that would be constructed at 1975 Union Road, on the corner with Glenmore Road. The land is currently zoned for commercial use.

No development permit has been issued yet.

The property was part of a subdivision in 1994 and Glenmore Rd was realigned in approximately 2010, which it now fronts.

The lot has been the subject of various proposals over the last decade but none of them took off. It is close to North Glenmore Elementary School and Dr. Knox Middle School.

The Glenmore valley has become far more attractive for residential development in recent years with other townhouse or condo projects having been approved.

The proposal, from Krahn Engineering, meets the city’s official community plan goals to encourage low rise apartments and stacked townhouses up to six storeys in height in core area neighbourhoods that front or directly abut transit supportive corridors. It also meets residential infill goals.

“I really like what I see here,” Cllr. Gord Lovegrove said in echoing the sentiment from others around the table. “Given this location across from the school and on the bus route to UBC… I encourage staff to look at six storeys,” he said, noting its ideal location along a transit corridor.

Construction of another condo building is already underway across the street on Glenmore Rd.

The proposed development will come back to council for debate on form and character and it could go to a public hearing.