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Council approves permit for new commercial development

District of Clearwater council had a recommendation to issue a development permit for a lot in town.
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District of Clearwater council had a recommendation to issue a development permit for a lot in town.

The owner of the lot on Eden Road, east from the roundabout, is looking to make changes to the existing infrastructure, demolishing the existing building to erect a new Canco service station with convenience store and pizza shop. The new development will also include almost $40,000-worth of landscaping, as well as new curbing and paving.

According to a DOC staff report, the process had been delayed due to environmental requirements regarding contamination on site, but the applicant has been working on it and they anticipate the proposed development will be an improvement from the last.

“Nice to see an investment like that which is very professional,” said Mayor Merlin Blackwell. “Makes us look like a big, grown-up town.”

Council voted to issue the development permit. Those who wish to read the proposal can access the Oct. 6 agenda on the DOC website.

ALSO READ: DOC task force excited to open new trail

New Evergreen Acres homes nearing completion

The Evergreen Acres facility expansion is nearing an end, adding 20 new units to the previous 31 units for housing seniors.

Phase 4, is in its completion stage, with Phase 5 — a further 20 units with amenities such as a kitchen and common area — is in the works, as the Evergreen Acres Senior Housing Society has applied for funding from BC Housing through their Community Housing Fund on Sept. 1.

The Phase 4 funding came from the Wells Gray Community Forest, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and a low interest loan through BC Housing.

The EGAHS currently has a waiting list of 38.

According to a staff report, of the 20 units to be filled this fall, at least 14 properties will be vacated, opening much-needed housing in the community.

A request from EGAHS asks to waive connection fees to water and sewer, as well as waive development costs for the Phase 5 20-unit project.

DOC council passed the recommendation to support 100 per cent exemption of those fees.

“Very exciting that we’re getting to Phase 5 already on this,” said Blackwell. “It just seem like we saw Phase 4 last week or yesterday.”

Council also read three times and passed Bylaw 244, which reduces development cost charges for seniors affordable rental housing for Phase 5.

Establishing Clearwater as a community where seniors can age in place in an affordable and safe environment is part 2 of the town’s Official Community Plan — Vision.

ALSO READ: Declining use of ball park concerning for DOC staff

ALSO READ: Council addresses concerns at boat launch

Dutch Lake boat launch signage

A couple of recommendations were put to council regarding concerns that have been brought up by residents about the Dutch Lake boat launch. Complaints include garbage, parking, dogs, noise, smoking and swimming, among others.

For safety and liability purposes, it was suggested by staff previously that the area be designated as either a boat launch or a swimming area.

While the boat launch is not mentioned in Clearwater’s official community plan, there is an article to develop a dog park with connectivity to the trail system.

At a previous council meeting, it was moved that the DOC staff collect public input and information for the next Parks and Recreation Committee of the Whole meeting. Because of this, the recommendations to designate the boat launch for watercraft only, including repositioning the wharf, and to place signage restricting the area to service animals only, while prohibiting swimming and diving, was moved to the next Parks and Recreation meeting, to be held Oct. 27.



newsroom@clearwatertimes.com

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