Maple Ridge council moves ahead on 6-storey apartment building 

Construction of a six-storey residential apartment building with 178 units on Dewdney Trunk Road — which is currently a vacant lot — can now move ahead following a vote from Maple Ridge council.

Council voted  to amend three bylaws to move the project forward.

This included one on amending the official community plan, zone amending bylaw, and housing agreement bylaw.

Then, they then voted to pass a development variance permit (to allow variances to the structure setback, height, private outdoor amenity area, and off-street parking spaces) and a multi-family development permit.

All votes were six to one, with Coun. Ahmed Yousef the sole councilor against the development moving forward. 

“As I’ve opposed this rezoning from day one, I will continue to oppose it. I don’t see it as viable at this point,” he said.

He said he’s concerned about the laneway road that will temporarily connect to Dewdney Trunk Road to allow access to the building, citing a policy that prohibits access to main roads.

At last week’s Committee of the Whole meeting where this development was discussed, he asked staff about a timeline for when the laneway will be connected to either Burnett Street or 230 Street through other developments to the east or west of the property. 

Staff respondent that it is dependent on the pace of these other developments.

He also also raised concern that the nearby Chevron gas station hasn’t agreed to grant access to a full-fledged lane.

Coun. Yousef said he’s concerned the building design “is not one that mitigates the impact on surrounding properties,”  since the distance between the single family houses to its south will only be the laneway road, which he said isn’t sufficient.

The development also requires a variance to allow it to have 263 parking spaces — 41 less than the 303 required. Coun. Yousef said this lack of parking wouldn’t be positive” for the surrounding neighbourhood.

 “We already have a shortage of parking overall. That’s just a fact of life.”