The creation of a town centre is evolving in Coldstream.
Despite a few neighbourhood concerns, the district has adopted a mixed use commercial zone on eight of its properties including the municipal office, fire department, rental property, Cenotaph Park, public works yard as well as the Women’s Institute.
“The intent of this zone itself is to allow for a variety of residential and commercial uses,” said Mike Reiley, director of development services.
The new zone also gives the Women’s Institute better conformity to some of its current and past uses, such as exercise classes and a farmer’s market.
With the new zoning in place, any new construction in the town centre area will have to comply. Existing buildings can continue with their current use.
Although the town centre could attract new businesses and services to the area, some residents are opposed to seeing their neighbourhood dynamic changed.
“I, for one, can’t see the use for a town centre. How many years has this been going on? I don’t see the need for one,” said Whetzell Drive resident Angie Kitcher in a letter to council.
“We already have a church, municipal buildings, a clock tower, a school and a store. That is all that is needed for a town centre.”
There are also increased traffic and parking concerns for the stretch of Kalamalka Road, which is already busy during school days when kids are being dropped off and picked up.
Coun. Gyula Kiss points out that the town centre plan is not a new idea to Coldstream.
“It goes back 20 years almost.”
Coun. Pat Cochrane was the lone opponent to the zoning changes approved by council Monday.
