City Council approved an expanded care facility at Tsawaayuus / Rainbow Gardens, despite opposition from Westporte Place neighbours.
Architects for the West Coast Native Health Care Society were asking council to approve an increase in the height of a proposed apartment building from three storeys to five, and neighbours lined up in opposition.
Acting Mayor Cindy Solda said every project in Port Alberni gets opposed by neighbours
“I remember when the new hospital went in people didn’t want that, when the police station went there, when Pacific Rim Mall people complained taking trees down would bring winds and now they love it because they have views of Mount Arrowsmith, people are not happy at the old ADSS site, anything that’s different, it’s like that with all developments,” she said. “Anything to do with seniors is important, and for low cost housing for seniors, we need places.”
Solda said the city has to measure neighbourhood concerns against the desperate need for seniors housing.
One of the main issues brought up by neighbours was a shortage of parking in the area, which will be referred to the traffic advisory committee for possible solutions.
After two hours of debate yesterday, Council approved the height variance.
