Council approves new Loewen Boulevard development

Steinbach city council gave a proposed mixed use commercial and multi-family development a thumbs up on Tuesday, approving a variance and conditional use to allow the project at 31 Loewen Boulevard to proceed.

The property, owned by LT Neufeld Holdings, will create 33 new residential units and over 10,300 sq. ft. of commercial space.

The conditional use was required to allow multi-unit residential use in the C3 (commercial corridor zone) category.

The variance was required to allow for a five-foot side yard setback, where a 15-foot setback is required.

A report from city manager Troy Warkentin advised council that because the concept plan shows a balcony projection on the west side yard of 20 inches, this would result in portions of the structure being built within just three feet of the west side lot line.

Council was unanimous in their support for both the conditional use and the variance.

Coun. Damian Penner said it’s great to see residential and commercial being built together, adding it helps boost businesses in the area that are open later than 5 p.m.

Coun. Michael Zwaagsra agreed, pointing to the lack of opposition and the fit for the neighbourhood as reasons to support it.

Mayor Earl Funk also weighed in with his support.

“I think this is a good fit for this lot,” he said.