Vermilion council has taken the first step toward adding new rental housing in town, giving first reading to a bylaw that would allow a six-unit residential development on a long-vacant property near Lakeland College.

The proposed change would rezone land at 5417 College Drive from C2 Commercial to R5 Residential, opening the door for multi-family housing on the site.

Council also approved scheduling a public hearing for April 22 at 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall, where residents will have a chance to weigh in before any final decision is made.

Long-vacant property targeted for development

The land in question was recently consolidated from three smaller lots into one larger parcel and has been vacant for years.

Administration told council the site has been fully cleaned and presents no environmental concerns, making it ready for development.

Despite being zoned commercial, no commercial projects have materialized on the property.

Mayor Robert Snow pointed to that reality during the discussion, emphasizing the opportunity to finally put the land to use.

“If we can fill that lot and also provide housing, that’s a great opportunity,” Snow said.

Addressing housing needs in a key location

The proposed rezoning would allow the construction of a six-unit row housing development, which is a permitted use under the R5 Residential district.

Councillors spoke in favour of the change, highlighting both the location and the broader need for housing in Vermilion.

“It’s a good use of that area,” one councillor said. “It makes a lot of sense for that style of development.”

The site sits in an area that already includes a mix of commercial and residential zoning, with existing multi-family housing nearby contributing to the town’s rental market.

Its proximity to Lakeland College and downtown Vermilion was also seen as a major advantage.

“To ensure our residents have a place to live, and I think this is a great way to move forward,” Snow said.

Fits into existing zoning mix

While the change would reduce the amount of commercially zoned land along that stretch, administration said it would still align with the surrounding development pattern.

Nearby properties already include a mix of:

• C2 Commercial

• R2 Residential (single-family)

• R5 Residential (multi-family)

Administration noted that existing R5 properties in the area are already supporting the local rental market, particularly for students and workers connected to Lakeland College.

Public hearing set for April

Council’s decision was limited to first reading, meaning the bylaw is not yet approved.

The next step is the public hearing on April 22, where residents can provide feedback before council considers second and third reading.

If approved, the rezoning would allow construction of six new rental units, helping address ongoing demand for housing in Vermilion.

The project also aligns with the Town’s strategic goal of promoting a diverse housing supply.