SEAN CHASE

sean.chase@sunmedia.ca

The city's planning advisory and adjustment committee is recommending rezoning for a charity office on Murray Street.

Planners received rezoning application to convert a single-detached converted dwelling house to be used by the charity First Step Options, which is the former Pregnancy Support Services of the Upper Ottawa Valley.

The dwelling is in a residential area adjacent to St. John's Lutheran Church.

Presenting the recommendation, Colleen Sauriol, planning and building department manager, said the official plan states that certain compatible offices may be permitted without amending the plan provided that adequate measures are taken to ensure that the residential character of the surrounding neighbourhood is not adversely affected.

"We consider this to be compatible with office use," said Ms. Sauriol.

She noted the property is bounded to the south by institutional used, such as St. John's Lutheran, and to the north, east and west by existing residential uses. There are several multi-residential buildings, commercial and institutional uses within the circulation area, she added. No addition is being proposed to the existing building.

David Trautrim, a trustee with St. John's Lutheran, told the committee the dwelling was purchased five years ago for an associate pastor. Handing the residence over to First Step Options was approved by the congregation, he added.

"The church wanted to do a good favour," he said.

If the property is used as a charitable office then three parking spaces are required, which would be met under the site plan, explained Ms. Sauriol.

City council will hold a public meeting on the application on May 15.

Sean Chase is a Daily Observer multimedia journalist