City council has deferred the recommendation that administration begin the procurement process for the Holly Street Residential Area Master Plan.

Under the Official Community Plan (OCP), a Master Plan is required for the site to ensure that it’s developed logically and in a co-ordinated manner, says an administration report prepared for council.

The Master Plan will provide high-level direction for future detailed engineering design and land use planning.

The site is designated residential-urban in the OCP, which allows for a wide range of residential housing types and compatible uses.

The site, approximately 6.25 hectares, is located in Porter Creek west of Porter Creek Secondary School.

Under the city’s 2023-2026 capital expenditure, $225,000 has been allocated for the project.

The administrative report notes the city’s growth strategy for the 2010 OCP included an area near McIntyre Creek, commonly referred to as Porter Creek D.

“With that area now part of the McIntyre Creek Part, the new growth strategy includes the city-owned Holly residential area as one of the replacement opportunities for residential development,” says the report.

At its meeting Monday evening, council voted to defer the recommendation to proceed with procuring a contract for the Master Plan for two weeks.

A number of council members noted they didn’t feel they had all the background on the proposal that they need to make an informed decision.

Coun Ted Laking, for instance, learned the area identified was designated in 2006 as park land.

It was noted Monday the city has already received a number of emails from the public regarding the project proposal.

Having more background information would be helpful before deciding whether to begin the development of a master plan, members of council indicated.

The matter is scheduled to come back to council in two weeks’ time.

The administrative report says a consultant would lead the master planning project, including completing background studies, concept plans, public engagement and development of the Master Plan.

The concept plan will illustrate possible land uses, major roads, active transportation networks, trails and parks, water supply and wastewater infrastructure, and other relevant aspects, says the report.

It says the process will involve the ongoing involvement of the city and engagement with the public at significant points during the project.

Under city policy, the approval of council is required to authorize the commencement of procurements with an estimated value of $500,000 or more, and for procurements under $500,000 that are deemed to be of significant community interest.