During a Thompson-Nicola Regional District board meeting held March 9 in Kamloops, the directors gave first and second reading to amendments to the Blue River Community Plan and zoning bylaws in regards to a re-zoning application by Blue River Safari.
The amendments would allow the owner of Blue River Safari to rezone a 16-hectare parcel on Mud Lake Forest Service Road north of Blue River from RL-1: Rural to C-4: Recreational Commercial and to amend the area Official Community Plan to enable tourist commercial use on lands currently designated Rural Resource.
This is to lawfully permit an existing recreational/tourist commercial business (Blue River Safari) and enable building permits to be issued for four existing buildings. In addition, the owner seeks a temporary use permit (TUP) to allow two RVs to be used for seasonal staff accommodation for up to two years while permanent staff housing is constructed.
The next step will be to take the application to a public hearing to be held in conjunction with a future board of directors meeting.
New bookmobile contracts awarded
The board voted to award the new bookmobile truck (cab and chassis) contract to IRL International Truck Centre for $110,000 and the contract for the design and fabrication of the bookmobile container to Inter continental Truck Body (ITB) (BC) Inc., for $390,000.
The board had already approved a budget for the bookmobile replacement of $500,000.
The total cost of purchase for the truck and container is $501,280.40.
Free dump days announced
Free disposal days are once again planned for each transfer station and eco-depot in the regional district.
The events are scheduled over four weekends in April and May and residents can bring in one free load (maximum eight-foot pickup truck box).
In addition, three Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Round-up events are also planned for Kamloops, Merritt, and Ashcroft/Cache Creek.
The HHW events are a free opportunity for residents to dispose of unwanted hazardous material, such as paint, pesticides, oil, antifreeze, cleaners, etc.
Check tnrd.ca for dates and times.
