A proposal for a small resort in Electoral Are B Rural Revelstoke received first reading at the June 19 Columbia Shuswap Regional District board meeting.
The property in Electoral Area B, about 3.5 km west of the City of Revelstoke.
The applicant seeks to change the Official Community Plan (OCP) designation of the property at 3207 Trans-Canada Highway from Small Holdings to Resort Commercial, as well as zoning amendment, to accommodate a small resort comprised of five two-bedroom tiny homes and a shop with a three-bedroom caretaker suite above.
“The proposed development is intended to address the growing need for unique, affordable tourist accommodations in Revelstoke while aligning with the surrounding area's predominantly highway commercial zoning and supporting the local economy,” wrote the applicant, whose name was redacted from the letter attached to the board meeting agenda. “The property's 700 feet of highway frontage makes it ideal for attracting travellers and tourists.”
In her report to the board, planner Christine LeFloch noted the OCP designates all commercial properties as Commercial Development Permit Area which is intended to ensure the form and character of commercial properties meets a specified aesthetic.
“Guidelines for this Development Permit Area address details including landscaping, screening, signage lighting, parking, bear-proofing and building design,” wrote LeFloch, noting regional district staff were comfortable in recommending the simple consultation process be used including the area Advisory Planning Commission (APC).
An APC is an independent body of local volunteers appointed by the board, which provides input into the planning process about certain applications. APC meetings are open to the public, thereby providing an opportunity for interested members of the community to learn about a proposed development early in the process, similar to a public information meeting.
“A public hearing will be required because the proposal includes an OCP amendment,” noted LeFloch, recommending directors give first reading to the requested amendments.
Five of seven Electoral Area directors gave unanimous approval to sending the application to second reading. Area G director and current board chair Natalya Melnychuk declared a conflict of interest because the property is owned by her partner’s business, and Area B Director David Brooks-Hill did the same because he is the lawyer for the applicant on another matter.
Having received first reading, the bylaws will be referred to three CSRD departments – financial services, environmental and utility services and community and protective services – as well as the Electoral Area B Advisory Planning Commission, Interior Health, all applicable First Nations and Bands, Ministry of Transportation and Transit and the Ministry of Forests Archeology Branch for review.
