CBRM councillor expects increasing conflict between new housing, property owners
The housing shortage in Cape Breton Regional Municipality is being addressed through increasing development, but this progress is not without its challenges. Conflict has arisen between existing property owners and new developments, as seen in a recent case where an appeal against the construction of an 18-unit apartment block on Reservoir Road was rejected by CBRM council.
Paula and Shaun Hickey, the appellants, raised concerns about the proposed three-storey building looming over their single-family residential properties. They argued that the building was too close to the property line, lacked sufficient parking, and could strain municipal infrastructure. While they acknowledged the need for more housing, they advocated for smaller developments that would better fit the character of their neighborhood.
Despite the Hickeys’ objections, CBRM planning staff maintained that the new apartment block met all zoning criteria under the recently adopted planning rules. These rules, outlined in the CBRM Forward report, aim to streamline the development process to address the housing shortage. With a target of 1,000 new housing units by next year, the municipality is focused on facilitating construction projects to meet demand.
Coun. Gordon MacDonald expressed sympathy for the Hickeys but emphasized the importance of supporting the planning department’s recommendations. He acknowledged that conflicts between residents and developers are likely to increase as more housing projects are initiated under the new rules. Similarly, Deputy Mayor Eldon MacDonald noted that public consultations overwhelmingly favored relaxed regulations to promote new construction and address affordability issues.
In the end, CBRM council unanimously upheld the planning department’s approval for the Reservoir Road apartment block, signaling a commitment to advancing housing options in the region. As development continues to ramp up, balancing the needs of existing residents with the demand for new housing will remain a key challenge for the municipality.
