Zoning approved for new Jasper Avenue highrise

Another highrise may come to Jasper Avenue, now that city council has changed the zoning to allow a new tower.

The new zoning would allow for a 14-storey tower with commercial space on the main floor at Jasper Avenue and 122nd Street. The developer's representative, Simon O'Byrne, said they have not determined what the building will look like or be used for.

Coun. Scott McKeen said the application is an example of the rapid growth in the Oliver area.

"I'm somewhat gobsmacked by the number of proposals we're seeing for residential for the downtown in Oliver," Mckeen said.

Not everyone is in favour of the change. Dolores Nord lives on the same street as the proposed building. She told council she's had enough of disruptive construction in her neighbourhood.

"My health and my house cannot survive another highrise on the block," she said.

She's concerned about noise, light, and a lack of sun once the building is erected.

"I need, want, and deserve sun," Nord said.

McKeen said he understands Nord's concerns, and the city will work with the neighbourhood when it comes to large shadows. But, he said, the new developments would provide other advantages that come with a downtown lifestyle.

"I don't think the expectations of people living in the single family homes that remain in Oliver are the same as somebody who might be living out in a suburban community," he said.

The developer must still apply for a development permit before the building is approved.