A variance was approved for the construction of a 4-plex in Winkler at a recent city council meeting, despite some objections from concerned citizens.

Local resident Mel Braun expressed concern the developer had begun work on the project before construction had been approved.

While the application had arrived at the city office mid-August, City Manager Barb Dyck explained the developer was given approval "at the developer's own risk" to pour concrete before the public hearing.

"It makes us look bad," Councillor Don Friesen said, adding he wasn't aware of the permission being granted.

"I would appreciate if that ever, ever happens," he said. "It shouldn't be allowed... It's bad business."

It especially was concerning, Mayor Martin Harder said when the project involved variances and rezoning. Council held a public hearing September 12 to review the request for a five-foot interior side yard instead of the zoning requirements of a 15 feet minimum.

Parking was also a concern, especially in winter, for local residents Kirk and Anna Franich as multi-family developments bring more traffic to 4th St South.

With many mature trees taken out in the area as more multi-family facilities are built, "it's a lot emptier," one resident said

Anna said she's seen many near accidents on the narrow confines of their street, made worse by encroaching snowbanks in the winter months.

She also noted the apparent trend towards new multi-family developments South of Pembina Ave.

"Why are they targeting this area?" she asked.

Area resident Duane Falk also wondered if older streets should have a limit on multi-family development, "it's taking over," he said.

With many mature trees taken out as well, "it's a lot emptier," he added.

Councillor Henry Siemens explained the city's Planning Committee continues to look into a proposed maximum density limit for the city.

Harder noted this particular development does not reach the maximum density, "so there could likely be some more," he said.

Harder explained the larger lots in the area provide an opportunity for developers, "they're looking for properties... where they can get their money out of it," he said.

A $100,000 lot quickly becomes a $25,000 lot per unit with a 4-plex.

"The economics make more sense," he said.

In the end, Harder noted the developer is willing to work with the city and the neighbours, making investments into the facade to enhance the street's overall property values.

"That's what we're trying to achieve," he said. "We're not trying to make it difficult for the neighbours."

He noted many of the multi-family projects are replacing some of the aging, dilapidated homes on the street.

"We don't want to allow houses to deteriorate to the point they become rodent-infested and create problems for the neighbours," he said. "It's always nice to have a new building on a property and create a nice neighbourhood."

"That's what we're hoping for," Harder said.

The side-yard variance, as well as the rezoning to multi-family, was approved unanimously.