“We have submitted the building permit application and would like to commence construction as soon as possible.”
That’s the word from Michael Lee, vice-president of Jim Pattison Group, speaking about a proposed Tim Horton’s restaurant for Clearwater.
Lee made his comment after Clearwater town council approved a development permit on Aug. 16 for a Tim Horton’s in the Clearwater Shopping Centre near Buy-Low.
The new business could employ between 45 and 60 full-time and part-time workers, said mayor John Harwood during the town council meeting.
“One of the biggest questions has been, can we get enough employees,” Harwood said.
Finding enough workers has been a factor with several other local businesses as well, said town councillor Merlin Blackwell.
The approximately 250 square metre (2,700 sq. ft.) restaurant would have seating for about 44 patrons.
The proposed structure appeared to meet all of the development permit guidelines in the official community plan (OCP), according to chief administrative officer Leslie Groulx.
The new restaurant would be located within the Wells Gray Gateway development permit area, she pointed out in a report to council.
Objectives of the permit area include achieving design standards that reflect Clearwater area's outdoor adventure and alpine environments.
Consistent with the earlier phases of development at the shopping centre, the building would include wood beam roof canopies and stone veneer around the perimeter of the structure.
A wooden canopy at the public entrance would be larger than is typical for similar Tim Horton’s restaurants, in order to accommodate Clearwater’s snow volume.
Two new disabled parking stalls would be added close to the front entrance, bringing the total in the shopping centre to 14.
The new restaurant would be located west of the present credit union building, next to Highway 5 (although access would be through the shopping centre’s parking lot).