The Town of Creston has given initial approval to a bylaw amendment that would rezone part of Millennium Park South to support its nearby housing and child care project.
Councillors voted April 28 to approve first and second readings of amendments to the town’s Official Community Plan and zoning bylaw affecting 401 16th Avenue South.
A report by Joel Comer, director of development services, said the parcel at 401 16th Ave. S. already includes a portion of the park’s existing parking area.
The changes would redesignate the land from “Park” to “Residential” and rezone it from “Community Use” to “Residential High Density,” aligning it with the Creston Valley Housing Corporation’s (CVHC) adjacent development at 1501 Cedar Street.
Comer’s report said the amendments are intended to clarify the long-term use of the site as a dedicated parking area serving the housing and child care project.
“The Millennium Park South parking area represents the most practical location to meet this need,” Comer said, noting the development requires additional off-site parking for residents, staff and child care operations.
The proposal also includes subdividing the parking area from the larger park parcel and transferring ownership from the Town of Creston to CVHC. A covenant would restrict the land’s use to parking for the Cedar St. development.
Council directed staff to begin the subdivision process and prepare a notice of disposition for the proposed land transfer, which remains subject to approval.
A public hearing is required before the bylaws can be adopted. That hearing is expected later in May.
Comer added in his report that while the parking area is already used informally for park overflow and events, its long-term designation as parkland does not align with its intended function.
He also highlighted potential environmental impacts.
“The anticipated development plan proposes upgrading the existing dirt parking area to asphalt, which may contribute to increased urban heat island effects and altered surface water runoff patterns,” Comer wrote.
He said any planning considerations should include measures such as landscaping and stormwater management to mitigate heat absorption and manage runoff.
“These approaches can help reduce environmental impacts while maintaining the functional benefits of the upgraded parking area.”
He framed the amendments as efforts to support broader community goals around housing supply and child care access, as the Cedar St. development aims to accommodate families and workers in the area.
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