Moncton considers rezoning house near hospital for cancer support centre
Moncton council is considering rezoning land near a hospital so it can be used as a support facility for people affected by cancer.
Councillors gave first reading Monday evening to a bylaw to rezone 166 MacBeath Ave. for community use, which would allow a non-medical treatment centre offering support services. The property, currently zoned for residential use, is less than a block from the Moncton Hospital.
A staff report to council about the rezoning says owner Sheila Bannon has offered to donate it to the Friends of the Moncton Hospital Foundation.
The foundation is partnering with Ontario-based non-profit Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation to offer services at the site, the staff report says. No one from either organization spoke or appeared to be present at city hall Monday.
The services could include financial counselling, art therapy, group support sessions and exercise classes, the report states.
"What a beautiful gesture, a generous gesture," Coun. Paul Richard said. "Thank you, Sheila."
Plans for the site show an addition on the rear of the existing building and a small parking lot on the north side of the property.
Bill Budd, the city's director of planning and development, said the facility would accommodate no more than 15 people at a time.
"The only major change will be a new sign identifying the cancer treatment centre," Budd said while showing plans for the facade.
The proposal would leave the facade facing the street largely the same, according to plans presented to city council. (Submitted/City of Moncton)
The applicant for the rezoning is the hospital foundation.
City staff recommended approving the rezoning. The staff report described the plans as preserving the residential character of the neighbourhood and beneficial to the community.
"By locating the cancer support facility within walking distance of the hospital, the applicant hopes to establish a healthcare 'hub' that offers more comprehensive care to residents in need," stated the report.
Staff recommended several conditions, including a two metre tall fence and reducing the required number of on-site parking spaces to eight.
A traffic impact study of the proposal led the city's transportation engineer to conclude "there would be no noticeable impacts to traffic operations in the immediate area," according to the staff report.
Richard, who represents the area, asked if the facility would get provincial funding. Budd said he wasn't sure and would try to get that information before the rezoning comes back to council.
Monday's vote sends the plans to the municipal planning advisory committee for review at its May 22 meeting. A public hearing on the rezoning, followed by potential final approval, has been scheduled for June 3.
There was no mention Monday of how soon the facility would be open, if the rezoning is approved.
