Controversial Amendments Fail

The controversial change to the zoning bylaw which would have made community service institutions a discretionary project in C2 zoned areas has been defeated.

C2 zoned areas include the majority of the downtown.

Community service organizations (examples are homeless shelters and soup kitchens) have been a hot topic issue with many in the downtown business community opposed to their development downtown,

The vote came after a large number of speakers attended Council to state their views.

In a 3 - 3 vote Council defeated the proposed amendments. In any tie vote the motion is defeated.

Councillor Patrick Boyle, Mayor James Murdock and Jamey Logan were in favor.

Councillors Dawn Luhning, Heather Eby and Chris Warren were against.

Councillor Carla Delaurier was not present during the vote. She recused herself due to her involvement in non-profit organizations which may have had an interest in the vote’s outcome.