Burns Lake village council has given Starland Timber Mart a waiver that’s meant to speed up the process of building a new lumber storage facility.
The company is planning to build a facility that’s 104 square metres in size, meaning that it would narrowly exceed a 100-metre limit on building sizes.
Normally, that would trigger a consultation process that could take upwards of six weeks, according to Sheryl Worthing, chief administrative officer for the Village of Burns Lake.
During the May 29 village council meeting, she said the official community plan requires that buildings larger than 100 square metres go through a process involving a public hearing and notifying property owners located within 30 metres.
She said that council should give the company an exception, adding that Starland is replacing a timber storage building that it recently torn down.
“I truly don’t believe any (neighbouring properties) will be affected by this,” said Worthing. “It will be an improvement to the lot over anything.”
Worthing also suggested policy changes that would provide more decision-making power to staff, allowing them to expedite this kind of development.
“I think that’s a better idea and better use of our time than doing a six-week-long hearing process,” she said.
Members of council were sympathetic to the cause. The motion to waive the development permit requirement for Starland was carried unanimously.
