Parksville council officially received a staff report on the 25 unit Post and Lantern affordable housing project.
An open house on the project was held last summer, but recent new information caused them to pause and review the information and decide it was relevant enough to take the unusual step of sending it back to the public before voting on final approval.
The report confirmed the three outstanding conditions had been met — a housing agreement, landscaping letter of security and lot consolidation — and outlined the new information.
The new information, confirmed by owner Vince Jandirsch to The News on April 8, includes an increased Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation loan to $928,000, 13 more units being “barrier free” for people with mobility issues, a modified courtyard for better wheelchair access, the hiring of a different construction company and confirmation of two wheelchair accessible units.
The updated proposal will be presented to the public in the near future with the required public notice, at the city’s expense, estimated at $1,200 to $1,700.
Councillor Carrie Powell-Davidson asked if it was possible to charge the applicant for the costs, or at least review the option for the future.
Chief administrative officer Fred Manson said city policy doesn’t currently allow them to, but they could consider it in their current development process review. He pointed out it is a rare situation.