Golden View Development Variance Permit Moves to Public Notification Stage
Town of Golden Council is being asked to authorize public notification for a Development Variance Permit application tied to the proposed Golden Resort Residential project at 1410 Golden View Road.
The application, submitted by Ridge North America on behalf of Golden District Investments Ltd., seeks variances to the Town’s Zoning Bylaw to allow a large, mixed-use resort residential development on land zoned Resort Commercial (C6). According to a staff report from the Planning and Development Department, the proposal includes a two-storey underground parkade, 20 hotel units, and 123 residential rental units spread across five buildings, including apartment-style buildings up to six storeys and townhouse units, all organized around a central courtyard.
Several variances are being requested, including reduced front-yard landscaping, a reduced setback for the underground parkade, permission to allow residential units on the ground floor, and a significant height variance that would allow buildings up to 22.5 metres, well above the current 12-metre maximum permitted under zoning. Staff note that the Official Community Plan allows consideration of taller buildings through a variance process on comprehensively designed sites, particularly when additional amenities or infrastructure contributions are provided.
Town staff describe the project as aligned with the intent of the Resort Commercial zone and emphasize that the development would deliver long-term market rental housing, including larger three-bedroom units suitable for families. The report also highlights substantial infrastructure commitments proposed by the developer, including front-ending more than $7.5 million in water, sewer, and servicing upgrades that would benefit both the project and future development on the north bench, along with construction of a multi-use pathway connection along Golden View Road.
At this stage, Council is not being asked to approve the variances themselves, but rather to authorize public notification under the Local Government Act. Notification would include signage on the property, mailed notices to nearby landowners, advertising in the local newspaper, and posting on the Town’s website and social media channels. Council traditionally allows public input when considering variance permits, though formal public hearings are not required for Development Variance Permits.
A final decision on the variance application would come back to Council following the notification period.
Lafontaine Road Hotel Project Advances to Public Notification Stage
A proposed hotel development at 1401 Lafontaine Road is moving forward to the public notification stage, following a staff recommendation to Council to authorize notice for a Development Variance Permit (DVP2025-05).
The project is being brought forward by Ridge North America on behalf of Golden District Investments Ltd., the same developer behind the Golden View project, which is currently also under consideration by the Town of Golden.
The Lafontaine Road proposal represents the first phase of a multi-phase development and would see the construction of a 178-unit hotel within the Gateway Comprehensive Development (CD-1) zone, an area intended to serve travellers, destination tourists, and residents while creating a strong visual entrance into town.
To proceed, the developer is seeking several zoning variances, including:
• Flexibility on front yard landscaping requirements
• Changes to parking lot landscaping island spacing
• A significant height variance, increasing the maximum building height from 14.0–15.5 metres to 22.5 metres, allowing for a five to six-storey building
Town planning staff describe the height variance as substantial, but note it aligns with Official Community Plan policies that allow taller buildings on comprehensively designed sites when certain conditions are met, including preserved view corridors, minimal shadowing impacts, and meaningful community benefits.
A key component of the proposal is the developer’s commitment to front-ending major infrastructure upgrades, many of which would also support future growth on the North Bench. These include water and sewer capacity improvements valued at over $7.5 million, as well as a new multi-use pathway connection to the highway overpass. Staff caution that the developer’s ability to finance this infrastructure is tied to both the Lafontaine Road project and Golden View advancing.
If Council authorizes public notification, notices will be mailed to nearby property owners, posted on site, and advertised through municipal channels. While development variance permits do not legally require a public hearing, Council has traditionally allowed public input at this stage.
No final decision on the variances has been made. Council may approve, amend, or decline the application following the notification process.
What the Lafontaine Road Project Could Mean for Golden
The proposed hotel development at 1401 Lafontaine Road is not just about one building. Because of its size, location, and connection to other large projects, including Golden View, it has broader implications for growth, infrastructure, and how Golden changes over time.
A Major Gateway Development
The Lafontaine Road site sits at a highly visible entrance to town, along the Trans-Canada Highway. Developments in this Gateway zone are intended to shape first impressions of Golden. Staff note that the proposal aligns with Official Community Plan goals for creating a welcoming, high-quality entrance, but the scale of the building, particularly the requested height increase, will be closely watched by residents.
Building Height and Visual Impact
The developer is requesting a height variance that would allow a building up to 22.5 metres, significantly taller than what is typically permitted. Staff acknowledge this is a major variance, but point out that Town policy does allow taller buildings in certain cases if view corridors are protected, shadowing impacts are managed, and public benefits are delivered. Whether those conditions are convincingly met will likely be a key focus of public feedback.
Infrastructure Costs and Who Pays
One of the most significant impacts is on water and sewer infrastructure. The developer has committed to front-ending more than $7.5 million in infrastructure upgrades, including watermain upsizing, a new booster station, and sewer improvements. These upgrades are necessary not only for this project, but for future development on the North Bench.
While the Town would not carry the upfront cost, these agreements require long-term administration and cost recovery over many years. In simple terms, the developer pays first, and then recovers some of that investment over time through fees charged to future developments.
Tied to the Golden View Project
An important detail is that staff note the developer’s ability to finance this infrastructure is dependent on both the Lafontaine Road project and the Golden View project moving ahead. That linkage means Council’s decisions on one project may influence the viability of the other, adding complexity to what might otherwise appear to be separate applications.
Traffic, Access, and Active Transportation
The proposal includes a multi-use pathway connection to the highway overpass, supporting walking and cycling in an area currently dominated by vehicle traffic. Traffic impacts and access points will still be reviewed in detail at later permitting stages, but the site’s proximity to the highway makes transportation a recurring concern for nearby residents.
Public Input Still Matters
Although development variance permits do not legally require a public hearing, the Town has traditionally allowed public input when considering significant variances. Council is currently being asked only to authorize public notification, not to approve the project itself. This stage is where residents can flag concerns, ask questions, and influence how Council weighs the trade-offs.
The Bigger Picture
At its core, the Lafontaine Road proposal raises familiar questions for Golden: how much growth is appropriate, where it should occur, how it is paid for, and what the community gets in return. As Golden continues to evolve, projects like this one will help define the town’s future look, feel, and capacity.
We’ll continue the balance of the agenda items next week, as we’re limited for space.
