We don’t want any more “low grade housing” in our neighbourhood, several Sylvan Lake residents told councillors at their Mar. 25 meeting.
Three residents in the Regal Court and Ramsay Lane area of Sylvan Lake complained about garage suites approved in their high end neighbourhood.
“The majority of homeowners in the R1 area do not agree with the decision to allow garage suites. We do not want any more low grade housing constructed in our area,” said Robert Bordun, when he addressed council.
He indicated residents in the neighbourhood paid the most for their homes and probably pay the highest taxes. He charged garage suites and rentals will affect the value of their properties.
Bordun requested the town amend its Land Use Bylaw to eliminate garage suites from the list if discretionary uses in R1 districts. He also requested a change to the town’s notification process so that when a discretionary development permit is applied for letters are sent to property owners in an area greater than the current 50 metre requirement.
“It should be double that,” he said.
“The issue is not with the builder, the problem lies solely with the Town of Sylvan Lake,” Bordun said, after stating he was “surprised” the builder, who built many other homes in the area, had “the audacity to even apply for a permit to build rental suites”.
Another question he posed was why the garage suites were allowed when four people submitted letters opposing them.
Another resident said the garage suites directly affect his property as windows in the building look directly into his yard, contrary to a town requirement.
Mayor Susan Samson told the trio their comments were heard and council will receive a report back from staff responding to the issues. The town will also contact them directly with a response.