Highlands council rezoned a plot of private land on Monday, paving the way for the district’s planned community hall.
Four people spoke at the pubic hearing, with three in favour of the building and the location of the 4.2 hectares of land.
One resident who lives near the proposed site at Millstream and Finlayson Arm roads had concerns about the project drawing traffic, but admitted, “The wishes of the majority will prevail.”
He was worried the community centre project would drive up taxes, impact ground water, disturb the neighbourhood.
“These concerns can be dealt with down the road,” said Mayor Jane Mendum.
The property was gifted to Highlands from lifelong resident Fred York. He gave the land to be used for a community hall in return for subdividing his remaining land into 11 lots.
The District needs to break ground soon on the hall — a provincial grant for the building project expires in March 2013.
The grant will cover 80 per cent of the cost of the centre or up to $400,000.
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com