City of Powell River councillors will consider a zoning amendment to allow expanded commercial activity at a property on the corner of Alberni Street and Manson Avenue.
At the July 19 committee of the whole meeting, director of planning services Jason Gow outlined a planned development for the property, that would see Relay Rentals and Sales and WINMAR Property Restoration moving to the site, plus the development of two rental accommodations.
Gow told councillors the application is for a C3-zoned commercial property to permit additional uses than currently permitted.
“I suspect you will all be familiar with this property,” said Gow. “It houses a relatively dilapidated commercial building with one large accessory residential dwelling unit on the second floor. I suggest this application is a great before and after opportunity.”
Gow said the property was formerly known as Hilltop Store, which had operated as a furniture and appliance store.
“This is an opportunity for council to consider redeveloping this site,” added Gow. “It’s a busy intersection in our community and highly visible, so there is reason to consider the applicant’s request.”
Gow said the property has changed hands and the new owner is requesting three distinct zoning amendments to support the redevelopment plan, including relocating existing businesses to the property, increasing the residential density permitted on the property, plus reducing the overall off-street parking requirements.
Gow said Relay Rentals does not conform with the zoning. He added that he generally supports the limitations on use in the C3 zone to manage compatibility with surrounding residential neighbourhoods.
“In this situation the proposal poses minimal impact to the surrounding properties,” added Gow. “The amendments proposed are modest. The positive impacts would include an update to what is an eyesore of a property in a highly visible location in our community.”
Mayor Dave Formosa said it is a great upgrade to the corner and indicated his support.
Formosa, and councillors Cindy Elliott and Rob Southcott, had questions about a storage unit planned for the property. Gow said through the development permit process, there are tools that could require screening to ensure something visually unpleasant is not in plain view.
Gow recommended the matter be given first and second reading by city council and be scheduled to go to public hearing.
The committee voted to send the matter to city council on August 18.
