Despite rumours over the past month that Walmart might not be coming to Salmon Arm, a construction tender says otherwise.
Construction of a Walmart on the SmartCentres property at the west end of town was tendered last week and closes on Oct. 18.
Sources who have seen the tender documents report that the floor plan includes a grocery section with a deli and bakery area, as well as poultry and produce coolers, grocery aisles and grocery sales.
It also includes a medical/pharmacy-type centre, and a photo centre.
Initial perusal of the plans shows neither an automotive centre nor a fast-food facility, as some Walmarts include.
Sandra Kaiser, vice-president of corporate affairs for SmartCentres, confirms that construction on the SmartCentres property has gone to tender, but didn’t provide further details.
“We have gone out for tender but no construction date has been established yet.”
She said the company is still working with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure on approvals.
Sources say the project also went to tender in February, but was not awarded at that time.
The BC Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal on Monday, Sept. 24 from the Neskonlith Indian Band and the project is reported to have gone to tender on Sept. 28.
The band had initially requested a judicial review of an environmentally hazardous areas development permit issued by the city for the SmartCentres site. In April, a BC Supreme Court judge dismissed the request for the judicial review. The band appealed that decision, but it was dismissed by the provincial Court of Appeal.
Chief Judy Wilson told the Observer late last week that the band has 60 days to file further court action on the issue, and has not yet made a decision because it must first meet with its membership.
