City of Powell River councillors have approved the renewal of a temporary use permit for PowTown CrossFit.
At the January 18 city council meeting, councillors considered a motion to renew, for a three-year term ending April 15, 2027, the use of a gym or fitness facility not exceeding 48 per cent of the gross floor area of the building at 107-4504 Fernwood Avenue.
Councillor Rob Southcott said the first issuance of the temporary use permit had been successful. He said there had been a lot of trouble in the neighbourhood prior to the time of the temporary use permit was issued.
“Since then, there hasn’t been any trouble at all,” said Southcott. “I can say that from experience because before the permit, it took a lot of my time, the previous mayor’s time and the planning department’s time. I totally support the renewal going forward.”
Councillor Cindy Elliott said she recalled when the temporary use permit was first issued, there were some concerns about noise, so she wanted to ask staff if the neighbourhood has decided they like their neighbours at the gym.
Director of planning services Jason Gow said the application had been referred to other city departments for comment and there haven’t been any complaints recorded, either through bylaw enforcement or the planning services department in the three years the temporary use permit has been in place.
“As councillor Southcott has pointed out, it has been a successful operation in the three years the agreement has been in place,” said Gow.
Elliot asked if there was any way for residents of the neighbourhood to know the city was contemplating renewal of the permit, other than having it on the meeting agenda.
“Did we tell them?” asked Elliott.
Gow said there was an alternative option. He said at this point the recommendation from staff was to renew the permit without giving notice, but an alternative option would be to issue notice in line with the Local Government Act.
“If that was council’s choice, we would do that and bring the application back for council to consider,” said Gow.
Councillor Trina Isakson said the reason she supported the motion was the same as the reason she supported the renewal of the temporary use permit for Townsite Brewing’s outdoor patio.
“Not having received any complaints, it’s a good addition to the community, and let’s just keep business going,” said Isakson.
The motion for the temporary use permit carried unanimously.
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