Council unanimously approved third reading of Bylaw No. B-27/2014 that will see the re-designation of 13.72 acres from Urban Holding District (UH) to Residential Single Dwelling Wide Shallow Lot District (R-1W) and Public Service District (P-1) in South Windsong. The area is located in the northwest portion of the community, south of 40 Avenue. The rezoning means approximately 120 new single family lots can be developed in that area.
Council also approved a change to the originally proposed road network within Phase 7 of Hillcrest in Airdrie’s southwest. The change includes extending Hillcrest Avenue to the east to an, as yet, undeveloped area that City staff said would improve traffic flow in the community in the future.
Alderman Kelly Hegg said he was concerned the change could potentially increase traffic in the area, however, Team Leader of Planning and Development Jamie Dugdale said their research showed that “any traffic increase would be within any expected volume that could be handled by a lead or primary collector within the community so we don’t expect any issues with volume within the community.”
Mayor Peter Brown echoed Hegg’s concerns and was the only vote against the proposed change, however, it was passed by a vote of five to one.
Council gave unanimous approval to changes to two additional bylaws that will see a section of Phase 6 of the Canals neighbourhood development changed from high-density multi-family dwellings to medium-density multi-family dwellings.
GreenTrip Funding
Airdrie Transit Coordinator Chris McIsaac told council GreenTrip funding, which will provide $2 billion in funding for public transit projects across the province by 2020, is earmarked for public transit services only, making taxis ineligible.
(See related story at www.airdriecityview.com) Taxi company owner Mohammed Benini spoke at the Sept. 15 council meeting and asked staff to investigate if the funding would be available to taxi companies.
Franchisee fee approved
Council approved an increase in the Fortis franchisee fee for 2015 from 10 per cent to 12 per cent. The increase will add $1.14 to the average utility bill each month. Franchisee fees affect anyone paying a utility bill, including homeowners, churches, schools, renters, and governments (Provincial and Federal) that are exempt from paying municipal tax by law.
Alderman Allan Hunter, who was not present at the meeting, had opposed the increase at the Sept. 15 meeting, stating it could financially burden some residents.
Hunter could not be reached for comment by press time.
