Council gives thumbs up to Brigade Days
District of Hope council thanked Coun. Dusty Smith for his contributions to Brigade Days as president and also noted the success of this year’s Brigade Days at Monday’s council meeting.
Coun. Gerry Dyble said her brother from Alberta, who was headed to the United States, stayed in Hope because he heard Chilliwack was playing in the concert.
Coun. Bob Erickson said he noticed how busy Hope was.
“On Saturday, I went for a walk around town, and I was really surprised how busy it was,” said Erickson.
Coun. Smith noted that Brigade Days was very successful.
Coun. Smith said the new parking on Kawakawa Lake Road was successful, although he received complaints from “a couple of local people” because the parking lot forced them to detour.
Coun. Erickson thought the Kawakawa Lake parking was “ingenious.”
“I was going to talk about stepping down as president, but I think I’m going to keep my reins going there,” said Coun. Smith.
Sunshine Lanes’ request supported
Council has expressed their support for Sunshine Lanes Kingpin Lounge, who requested to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB) to expand their serving capacity and area with stipulations.
The District also wants an 11 p.m. patio closure and kitchen facilities.
“I would be concerned … that he has kitchen facilities to properly deal with the increased patrons,” said Mayor Vicktor. “So that people come there for food plus alcohol, not just alcohol.”
At the public hearing, nearby residents complained of street peeing and noise concerns.
Coun. Smith argued that it will happen “regardless,” saying that it happens at non-licensed businesses too.
“I think that’s a tough one to police,” said Coun. Smith. “The noise part of it … with good business practices, that shouldn’t be an issue.”
Coun. Gerry Dyble said she was in favour if there were stipulations on patio hours because of nearby residents.
Coun. Erickson shared his concerns about the Greyhound waiting area being so close to the pub, saying that bus riders might drink.
District chief administrative officer John Fortoloczky said pub owner Cal Barnett can risk losing that commercial relationship should Greyhound find that the new liquor licence is against their interests.
Council also gathered reasons to support the application including that this improves Wallace Street, fills a void left by the closure of the Gold Rush Pub and might create jobs.
IOCP passes third reading
After a public hearing, council moved to pass the Integrated Official Community Plan through its third reading.
An attendee at the public hearing said she would like to see some steps forward “fairly quickly.”
“I also understand there are competing interests and I think you have to be really deliberate, not coincidental,” she said.
Kawakawa Lake rezoning
Two parcels at Kawakawa Lake Road east of Greenwood Drive has been approved for rezoning from local commercial to compact single family.
Coun. Scott Medlock said he thinks that corner would be great for a pub, but given that no developer has seen the potential for that, he supports the applicant’s request to make it residential.
Coun. Donna Kropp said the rezoning allows families to move into Hope and “breathe life into our community.”
In a letter by Lindsay and Brian Druet, they highlighted that the 19-feet wide Skylark Lane would not be able to support more traffic.
The lane was supposed to be approximately 30 feet.
They also wrote that there are plans to build 10 properties on that land.
A resident asked if any space will be dedicated for parks.
District director of community development Jas Gill replied that Hope stipulates a 5 per cent park dedication, but a 2008 resolution allows the town to collect that in cash.
Station House moves forward
Mayor Vicktor also updated council on the Station House.
They have selected an architect who will do the interior and exterior drawings.
Vicktor also added that the architect is available immediately and he came in significantly under budget.
Council will host at least two public meetings to consult on the final product.
