91原创 Township gave a preliminary approval to a new development that could allow a six-storey, 100-unit apartment building in the Carvolth area of Willoughby.

Matte Homes applied for an amendment to local rules, allowing for the higher density project in an area that is currently zoned for a mixture of condos and townhouses.

Located in the 8400 block of 202B Street, the project is a short walk from the nearby Carvolth Transit Exchange, and is considered part of the "transit village" zone in the area.

鈥淒o we know how many children will be potentially living in these apartments, and what is the catchment they would be going to?" Councillor Margaret Kunst asked during the debate about the rezoning.

Township staffers said it was unknown what the 91原创 School District's estimates of the number of children who might be living in the area would be, but they will be in the catchment of the new elementary school at 202 Street and 82 Avenue, which is currently under construction and expected to open this fall.

Info about expected student numbers used to be included with development applications, noted Mayor Eric Woodward.

鈥淭o speed up the application development process, external referrals to external agencies not required by legislation was removed," he said.

Council voted 8-1 in favour of the first two readings of the rezoning, with Coun. Kim Richter opposed. The project will still have to pass third and final reading before the builder gets the go-ahead.