Sicamous council had no issue approving a variance in support of a Main Street business’ planned renovations.
Eagle Valley Pharmacy submitted an application to the district to vary the setback from six to zero metres in order to extend the front of the building to the sidewalk. Accompanying the application from IDA Eagle Valley Pharmacy manager Diana Wiznuk, in which she explains the extension is part of the overall renovations the business has been undertaking since May.
“We are presently renovating the inside of the store… after the inside of the store is completed we will move on to the development of the front of the store,” says Wiznuk. “We are anticipating that we will start development by the end of August after our busy summer season.”
Wiznuk notes an age-friendly grant of $5,000 received by the store will go to the installation of handicap compliant doors – sliding doors commented Coun. Malcolm Makayev.
“This extension gives us a lot of extra selling space and also allows for the handicap doors with a foyer,” said Wiznuk.
A related district staff report to council states both staff and the official community plan supports zero-metre setback for the front of the building along Main Street. The variance was required, however, because the district’s zoning bylaws are still being updated to support the recently updated OCP.
“In a perfect world, if we had a zoning bylaw that was current with our OCP, there would be no variance required because the zoning bylaw would support the OCP,” said district town manager Evan Parliament.
The variance application includes an image of the Sorrento IDA, which the Sicamous one will be modelled after.
“That’s a spectacular looking building,” commented Coun. Jeff Mallmes. “I mean, Sicamous damn well needs a facelift and the OCP, that’s what it’s all about, the zero setback on Main Street. There’s no showstopper here. When can we start?”
Coun. Janna Simons asked if any other Main Street businesses wanting to do some revitalization would be made to follow the zero-metre setback. Parliament replied all the district could to is recommend it, adding there is an incentive to do so in the form of the district’s revitalization tax exemption, which Eagle Valley Pharmacy is taking advantage of.
A business doing upgrades that qualifies to partake in the district’s revitalization tax exemption program is exempt from paying 100 per cent of municipal taxes for five years.
Wiznuk recognizes the downtown needs improvement and is optimistic other businesses will follow Eagle Valley Pharmacy’s example.
“I would just like to say that we are very pleased with the official community plan as it will have a lasting effect on all businesses and will make the community very proud,” said Wiznuk. “For all the tourists that come, their first impression will be a lasting impression and they will be sure to return.”