Concerns about West 91大黄鸭's new Zoning Bylaw have delayed its adoption. 

At Tuesday鈥檚 (Jan. 14) council meeting, Councillor Rick de Jong expressed significant reservations, particularly about building heights and land use.

de Jong acknowledged that he had questions that should have been asked at council鈥檚 Dec. 10 meeting when the bylaw was given third reading. 鈥淯nfortunately, I did miss that meeting so here we are at this point. I apologize for bringing these things forward at such a late date.鈥�

One of his primary concerns centred on building heights for new developments. These were outlined in the Official Community Plan two years ago. The councillor also noted that council had previously expressed an interest in land assemblies in areas designated for taller buildings.

de Jong specifically referenced a rezoning application for a property on Anders Road in Lakeview Heights, which proposed a six-storey building with 43 units on a narrow lot. 鈥淭hat to me is an example of what we don鈥檛 want to see,鈥� he said. 鈥淣arrow, high-rise structures on minimal lot sizes. That was not the vision of council that I heard.鈥�

The proposal has drawn community opposition, with 36 written submissions against the rezoning and more than two dozen of Lakeview Heights residents attending Tuesday鈥檚 meeting.

Mayor Gord Milsom was caught off guard by de Jong鈥檚 comments. 鈥淚鈥檓 surprised you left it to the date of adoption, that you didn鈥檛 bring it forward at a prior meeting,鈥� Milsom said.

The mayor also questioned de Jong鈥檚 comment that council previously emphasized land assemblies, seeking clarification from city staff. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 specifically recall this, but that doesn鈥檛 mean it didn鈥檛 happen,鈥� said Brent Magnan, director of development approvals. 鈥淲e would have to review some of the conversations at the time.鈥�

Council voted to defer the Zoning Bylaw, which also delayed the rezoning application for Anders Road. Councillors Garrett Millsap and Jason Friesen were not present at Tuesday's meeting.