A zoning amendment for a property at 230 Cariboo Highway 97 (the old Royal LePage 100 Mile Realty building) received third reading at the Dec. 13 District of 100 Mile House council meeting.
The required public hearing held just prior to the council meeting was attended by several concerned individuals, including Nigel Hemingway, agent for the building’s owner, Gerhard Loeffeler; Dan and Phyllis Erickson of Rimmco Agency Ltd., owners of the adjacent Greyhound Bus Depot; and Craig Slater, representing Howitt Enterprises in Abbotsford, which owns the nearby Dairy Queen building.
Mayor Mitch Campsall pointed out the list of permissible types of businesses in the zoning amendment application was significantly shorter than the current zoning allows.
The only new eligible use added is for the operation of a radio station, although no potential for that option was discussed.
Hemingway said the ground floor was recently leased to a professional office on a five-year term, and there is one unoccupied office and one residential suite located on the upper floor.
He explained Loeffeler is requesting the rezoning in consideration of a potential land purchase behind the old building, in order to gain access to a lane way easement.
Concerns were expressed by the neighbouring property owners’ representatives regarding any potential plans for construction, expansions or renovations.
These included aspects that they felt might cause water run-off from the hilly area behind their businesses, or require heavy equipment access through their properties.
Other related issues about future plans or businesses that might change or occupy the building included questions about potential for heavy traffic or any expansion of parking.
Hemingway spoke several times to address the questions and concerns raised, and noted no further construction or development was planned, and the parking component of the zoning was restricted to the rear of the current property.
The Ministry of Highways will not allow the project to move forward without a connection to the easement lane way, he said, due to the location of the building.
Coun. Ralph Fossum expanded on some of the concerns and asked if the requested rezoning would allow further development, was that to arise later.
Hemingway confirmed a potential for development would be covered in the rezoning, but explained for that to happen, it would require going back to a public review process, through the associated requirement for a development permit.
No concerns remained after the questions were addressed, and council approved the rezoning application.
