Despite exceeding parking requirements under Sylvan Lake's land use bylaw, council last night denied a development permit application from EFG Architects to build a seniors centre for Points West Living in the waterfront district.

For an adult care facility like the one proposed, 17 parking stalls were needed.

The applicant’s plans included 25 stalls for the 57-unit residence offering Level 2 supportive living services including food, housekeeping, recreation and transportation.

The vote was 5-2, with councillors Matt Prete and Dale Plante supporting the application as presented.

Town staff had flagged two relaxations needed for the development to be compliant: one for total floor area ratio (total usable floor area to lot size) and another for height, from a three storey limit to five.

Council's concern was over long-term impacts on parking in the area, as the facility would house clients, but also caregivers, while also offering a bistro that would be open to the public.

“Several issues were brought up but the biggest sticking point was the parking and that is to ensure that the people who live in that property, the people who visit and work at that property have adequate space to park,” said Mayor Sean McIntyre.

“Overall, I think it’s a great project and I hope they’re able to work out the parking issues and we’ll see it again.”

The decision appeared to catch EFG’s Terry Collier by surprise. He stormed out of council chambers shortly after and declined to comment at that time.

“It’s difficult with these types of projects to see when certain issues are going to be realized. With this project in particular and with most projects, it’s a process of presenting a project to staff and then presenting a project to council,” McIntyre said.

“When you get more eyes on a project and you get more perspectives, you’re able to realize more potential issues and that’s what happened last night.”

The mayor said parking has been of ongoing interest in the community. He said seniors want to retain more independence, which includes driving.

The proposed facility was located at 4402-4414 50A Avenue.