There was significant discussion at Williams Lake city council Tuesday evening on a zoning application regarding a property at Hamel Road and Broadway Avenue South.
Council was asked to accept the zone-change application, which would allow for two carriage houses to be built, which Coun. Scott Nelson said would also cut off trail access for hundreds of mountain bikers.
“We need more discussion on this; I’m asking for a deferment,” Nelson said.
“This is a key drop zone for mountain bikes.”
Councillor Jason Ryll agreed.
“We should refer this back to City staff to confer with the owner,” Ryll said. “My concern is that this is private property and that the owner is concerned with liability connected with that drop zone. I think there’s a better solution.”
City CAO Darrell Garceau said council is aware that there are a number of trails on the property in question, adding that the city was asked to fence it; they put up private property signs which were promptly taken down by persons unknown.
“Discussions ensued; staff has been very clear in saying that the subdivision isn’t consistent with the goals of the Parks and Trails overplan,” Garceau said.
“You have to take that into consideration in looking at this application.”
A public hearing originally set for Oct. 6 has also been deferred.
There will also be further discussions taking place between city staff and the property owner before that time.
A two-week time limit was set on the discussions, and the deferment was voted unanimously by council.