Colchester Council Approves 260-Unit Housing Development in Bible Hill Despite Resident Opposition
The Municipality of Colchester council voted 10-2 to approve a housing development agreement with Blowers and Grafton Developments Ltd. for 260 units at 104 Vimy Rd in Bible Hill, following a public hearing on Sept. 24.
The Municipality of Colchester council has approved a significant housing development project in Bible Hill after a contentious review process. In a vote of 10-2, council members agreed to enter into an agreement with Blowers and Grafton Developments Ltd. for the construction of 260 housing units at 104 Vimy Rd.
The decision follows a public hearing held on Sept. 24 regarding the application, which was originally submitted in August 2024. The proposed site covers approximately 8.25 acres and is located near the Vimy Court nursing home, the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Grounds, and Bible Hill Consolidated Elementary School.
The development plan includes five residential buildings: one five-storey structure and four four-storey structures. These buildings will contain one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. To accommodate residents and visitors, the project includes 275 on-site parking spaces, comprising both underground and surface-level spots.
Despite the approval, the project faced notable opposition from local residents. During the public hearing, residents John MacKay and Jolene Reid expressed concerns about changes to the proposal and a lack of confidence in the planning process. Additionally, a petition signed by 66 residents was submitted to council, outlining worries regarding pedestrian safety, traffic upgrades, boundary privacy, and dark sky controls.
In response to earlier recommendations from Colchester’s planning advisory committee in August, the applicant made several revisions to the design. One building’s height was reduced from six storeys to four storeys, while another dwelling’s height was increased by one storey to maintain the total unit count. Furthermore, a privacy fence roughly 442 feet long and six feet high will be constructed along the rear of the property facing Hillcrest Avenue. Balconies facing this street are not permitted under the revised agreement.
District 8 Coun. Lisa Patton and District 9 Coun. Marie Benoit were the two council members who voted against the motion. The municipality’s decision is subject to appeal to the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board within 14 days of the decision being advertised to the public.