The City of Merritt is looking to develop the part of the community known as the “North Bench”, directing City staff to contract a consulting firm which could create a Neighbourhood Development Plan.
Planning and Development Services Manager Don McArthur addressed council on Feb. 25 to detail the importance of developing a plan for the North Bench lands.
“Development of the North Bench lands is identified in the current OCP as a priority for future growth of the community,” explained Mr. McArthur. “Other than redevelopment in the city centre, the North Bench is one of the few areas where much needed housing could be constructed.”
Back in Dec. of 2019, city staff approached the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development to discuss a potential Crown Land Tenure application. Accompanying the application was budgetary information regarding the development of the neighbourhood development plan, with Phase One being budgeted at $50,000.
The province does not require detailed engineering or technical studies, but the plan will include land use information and general infrastructure requirements.
Will George, Economic Development and Tourism Manager explains that the development of the North Bench is the next logical step for the city.
“When you look at a map you see lots of development in the downtown core, up on the bench area, and the industrial park, but then you have this huge area that’s within city limits that’s (zoned) future development,” said George.
George also said that the City is hoping to have the community weigh in on any plan that the city ends up developing and implementing.
“What’s being discussed with the zoning right now, the bylaw discussions and the OCP is what does the community want that area to look like?” George said.
“So, there isn’t a particular design that we’re looking at, but we really want the community to share. If community members have a particular idea of how that can be best utilized and what they’d like to see for the North Bench, we’d love to hear that.”
If the Province agrees to transfer the land to the City, no immediate development is planned. Instead, the area will be used recreationally for hiking and mountain biking, with the potential addition of a disc golf course. If housing is developed on the lands, the trails will be maintained and incorporated into the development.
Corporate Services Director, Sean Smith explained that while no housing will be constructed immediately, the Land Tenure application process can be lengthy, and it would benefit the city to begin the process now.
“The logic behind acquiring it and starting the process for acquiring it is that it can be three to five years for the market rate purchase,” said Smith.
“[The Province] is saying if we think there’s any chance that land could be used for development in five years it’s right to be starting the process now.”
