Summerland approved two variances for a development which will house the Summerland Food Bank and Resource Centre and 60 affordable housing units.

The mixed-use development, for 13204 and 13214 Henry Ave., received council害羞草研究所檚 approval on Feb. 27.

To accommodate the proposal, two variances were required. One was to reduce the number of parking spaces for non-residential use from seven to zero. The other was to increase the height from 15 metres or four storeys to 17.5 metres or five storeys.

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Tyson Baker, a planner with the municipality害羞草研究所檚 development services department, said the zoning for the area allows for the mixed-use development, but has a maximum height of five storeys instead of four storeys.

The regulations in place also require non-resident parking spaces for those using the food bank.

The community害羞草研究所檚 Advisory Planning Commission said the project was well-designed and would add vibrancy to Summerland害羞草研究所檚 downtown. However, there were minor concerns about the height of the proposal.

Before its meeting, Summerland council had received two letters about the proposal.

Todd Laidlaw said the proposal is not consistent with downtown development area guidelines.

He asked that council not approve the development permit but send it back to the applicant for further design consideration.

Peggy Padden wrote to council in opposition to the development.

She suggested affordable housing units could be built slightly out of town rather than in the core of the community.

She also had concerns about the future of the development.

害羞草研究所淚 would not trust for one moment, that these units would end up housing people with addictions, and the mental issues that are associated with them, and not the seniors and young families who truly need the subsidy,害羞草研究所� she said.

Padden added that Summerland does not have the services needed for those who already live here.