The developer behind a proposed mixed-use building with 140 residential rental units hopes to get construction started this year.
A new development permit application for the project planned for , was before the city’s development and planning services committee on Feb. 5. Staff said the proposed development had not changed from what was considered by council in 2021 when a development permit was approved for the same project. City planning and building manager Melinda Smyrl explained development permits are good for two years, and the one issued for the project expired in December 2023.
The applicant, WestUrban Developments Ltd., has proposed a six-storey building comprised of 80 one-bedroom units and 60 two-bedroom units above, and 497 square metres of commercial space at ground level. Amenities provided for residences include secured bike storage for 140 bikes, 140 vehicle parking spaces partially under the building and 30 stalls for commercial uses.
“The proposal is identical to the development permit that was previously approved by council,” commented Frank Limshue, WestUrban’s director of development. Because of this, city staff recommended the development permit be reissued without going to public hearing, which is an option for council. At the committee, however, no one expressed interest in one.
“Not much has changed on this issue except the fact that the developer, because of interest rates, had a difficult time getting this project going when we wanted to in the first place,” commented Coun. Kevin Flynn. “So I am really excited the developer has managed to find the ability to make this 140, purpose-built rental building happen, and if the development permit… was good enough before it expired, it’s good enough after it expired.”
Asked when the project could get started, Limshue said “as soon as possible.”
“However, given the weather, ideally we’ll probably be getting started in March,” said Limshue. “We’re certainly well underway in terms of establishing our development team who will come and work and start construction on the project. Now that we’ve got our financing in order, we’ll certainly be moving forward to try and start as soon as we can.”
Asked if a public hearing would delay the project, Limshue said, “it would certainly slow us down a bit in terms of our start time.”
“The construction program is probably around 14 months from the time we put a shovel in the ground to the time the building is complete,” said Limshue. “So, for us, we anticipated this project would be well underway already. So any assistance council can give us in terms of not further delaying the start time is greatly appreciated.”
Mayor Alan Harrison did not wish to see the project further delayed.
“Our community has been anxiously watching that preload for sometime, and we totally understand the economic situation, so we’re very pleased to have you back,” said Harrison. “We’re in a housing crisis here, especially rental housing, so what you’re proposing is exactly what we need. So I have no hesitation about moving forward without a public hearing on the development permit… we already did that and there were adjustments made… at that time so I’m quite comfortable moving forward without.”
Read more: Design details revealed for six-storey, 140 rental unit building in Salmon Arm
Read more: Salmon Arm Council approves six-storey building with up to 140 rental units