O’Grady Housing Gets The Nod

A two-storey housing complex will be built at a vacant lot behind Canadian Tire, on O’Grady Drive. However, Council was divided on the issue, with four voting against the project and five voting in favour.
The proposal is for 167 units in two, six-storey buildings at that location.
However, there was significant push back from the neighbourhood, who cited “deadly” traffic at that location and how the project does not conform to the general look of the neighbourhood. There was also reference to an increase in criminal activity at that location, where there will be renters.
The developers noted that the property is currently zoned for commercial development, which would generate even greater congestion at that location. Also, the current zoning would allow for a structure that is 20 metres in height, whereas the project will be 18.5 metres in height.
However, four Councillors voted to approve the project, citing the need for rental housing in Prince George.
“We can’t build them fast enough, as I see it,” said Councillor Albert Koehler. He also noted that if the community didn’t want congestion at that location, the City should not have allowed so much commercial development in the neighbourhood. Nor was Councillor Terri MacConnachie opposed to the project, saying “I don’t think developers are in the business of developing a project to have it sit empty.” She also noted how accessible the location is to “a myriad of shopping” on foot.
However, four Councillors opposed the project, citing the dangerous traffic congestion and safety. That’s what Councillor Frank Everitt called “paramount” for Council’s consideration. Councillor Brian Skakun agreed this kind of development is needed in the city, but “not this one at this time.”
In the end, Mayor Lyn Hall played tie-breaker.
“If anybody knows me, I’m all about development,” he summed up. “I understand the traffic concerns, but we will have to address it if this development happens or not.”
Instead, Council approved an option to support the re-zoning application.