At the Jan. 11 meeting, Courtenay council approved third reading for a pub/condo proposal at 2355 Mansfield Dr. near the Air Park.
Whistle Stop Neighbourhood Pub owner Barry Van Dusen wants to increase the seating capacity to 250, expand the outdoor patio and add a new liquor store on the ground level. Above would be 30 condominiums. The five-storey building would front Mansfield.
Some neighbours feel a controlled intersection is needed to deal with increased traffic, especially drivers turning at Mansfield. Ian Buck, director of development services, said the Transportation Ministry does not support a pedestrian flasher crosswalk, but would like to see a full intersection design. Buck notes the Mansfield/Cliffe intersection will become more problematic over the next decade as the population grows, which will necessitate a long-term solution.
Coun. Doug Hillian asked about the possibility of a raised crossing over Cliffe Avenue. Interim CAO Trevor Kushner said the city will discuss this option with ministry staff and report back to council.
“With or without an overpass, there still needs to be a better crossing at street level,” Coun. Melanie McCollum said.
Storefront cannabis
The proponents of a proposed cannabis retail store at the Crown Isle shopping centre have amended their application to include a second retail unit to provide a larger space for customers, a bigger display area, an office, a staff room and expanded storage space. Council approved the change. A public hearing will be held before third reading is considered.
If approved, the Coast Range Cannabis store would be the seventh retail cannabis establishment in Courtenay, but only the second store east of the Courtenay River.
Home-occupation businesses
Council adopted a zoning amendment bylaw that will allow a greater number of people to operate businesses at home.
Permitted occupations include office, personal service, crafts, music/dance lessons up to five students, small appliance repairs, schools/kindergarten up to five children, day care and photography.
“It’s definitely going to help out a handful of people, and give them a chance to excel and succeed,” Coun. Manno Theos said.
READ: Comox Valley organization advocates more home-based businesses
Equity and inclusion
Council supported a resolution from Will Cole-Hamilton to include a focus on equity and inclusion in strategic planning for 2021.
The resolution notes that ‘recent events remind us of the presence of bullying, harassment, and discrimination in our community.’
“I think it’s a great start to looking at some of what we’ve seen over the last few months,” Coun. Wendy Morin said. “This is an ongoing problem in our community and throughout the larger community, and is especially amplified with COVID. I hope we can send the message clearly to folks that this kind of behaviour is not welcome in our community.”
Mayor Bob Wells said a goal of the city is to help empower people to report such incidents, which tend to be under-reported.
West Courtenay subdivision
Council approved third reading of a 12-lot subdivision proposed for 4070 Fraser Rd. The applicant has proposed a 30-metre setback from Millard creek, which staff said is over and beyond the required setback.
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