Comox council finalized the Town's financial plan and tax rates bylaws Wednesday, giving first, second and third reading to an approximate three-per-cent increase in taxes for an average single-family home.
Despite the slight increase, the additional Northern and Rural Homeowner grant will increase approximately $200, resulting in an average savings of $112.14.
Mayor Paul Ives called the tax rates a "reasonable rate of increase" at last week's committee of the whole meeting, with "commercial rates ... looking at essentially about one per cent below that as a rate of increase."
The budget has to be adopted to law by May 15, and Donald Jacquest, director of finance, said one week is needed to adopt the budget, then tax notices are sent to residents.
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Following a brief presentation by John Verrier of Avril Homes, council approved the extension of a development permit for the Horizon at Aspen Village, despite concerns raised by neighbours.
A development permit and a development variance permit were originally issued on June 1, 2009, yet construction has not commenced, and both permits were scheduled to lapse June 1, 2011.
Verrier told council the Horizon at Aspen Village — situated near Quality Foods — due to the stagnancy in condo sales because of the economic downturn, the project has been delayed beyond the normal amount of time required to commence construction of the project.
Ernest Gardner, who owns a home on nearby Olympic Drive, stated to council while he is not against the development, he does have some concerns regarding parking, site safety and reduction of property value.
The proposed project includes a mixed-use building with commercial space on the ground floor and 65 apartment dwelling on the upper two levels.
The permit also includes a variance to exceed the permitted height of 10 metres for a higher-peaked residential-style roof to 15.2 metres.
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