The Jasper Community Housing Corporation was supportive of the release of land for private apartment rental development, according to meeting minutes obtained by The Jasper Local.

At the June 17, 2021 Planning and Development Advisory Committee (PDAC) meeting, proponents of a high density “micro” unit apartment building with a blend of one, two and three bedroom units presented to the committee to justify their rationale for requested variances. 

As reported previously by this newspaper, the variances, which were eventually approved, would allow the apartment complex in question to be built over-height, with smaller units and with a 21 per cent decrease of parking stalls than normally required.

Minutes from that meeting show the Jasper Community Housing Corporation’s chair, MOJ CAO Bill Given, spoke in favour of the release of land to the private market and that the MOJ was working with the proponent to address the parking issue.

“From the JCHC perspective, I can confirm as was presented to the committee that the release of the GB Parcel out to the private sector was a priority of JCHC,” Given was recorded as saying. “The JCHC believes strongly that the municipality and community will benefit from additional housing being developed.”

A year ago, the JCHC brought a proposal forward to PDAC requesting a parking variance for a housing model on Parcel GC (700 block Connaught). That variance was denied. JCHC was attempting to move forward an affordable housing model, or co-investment model, wherein the financial foundation would be provided by investments by a collective of businesses.

Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com