So far, the quest to add a financial institution to the Mall at Piccadilly is a no go.
The city’s development and planning services committee was asked on Monday to consider an application from the owner of the mall, Standard Life Assurance Company of Canada, to add financial institution to the list of permitted uses in the C-7 shopping centre commercial zone. C-7 is the zone governing both the Mall at Piccadilly and Centenoka Park Mall.
Although the bylaw amendment must still go to the next meeting of city council, the initial reaction from council members present was not favourable. Missing were Couns. Alan Harrison and Ken Jamieson.
Director of development services Kevin Pearson explained that mall manager Lori Cymbaluk came to city staff in September, asking how she could facilitate having a financial institution included. Pearson said he looked at the official community plan and realized the mall was designated ‘city centre’ in the 2011 OCP, a designation that supports financial institution as a use. He suggested a text amendment to the C-7 zone.
The staff report notes the city adopted three bylaws involving financial institutions from 2008 to 2010, all bringing up the overriding concern of maintaining the viability of Salmon Arm’s traditional downtown core. In March 2010, the site of the Uptown Askew’s and the Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union was rezoned to CD-9, a zone that includes financial institution. In December 2010, financial institution was removed from the CD-8 zone, the zone governing the SmartCentres site.
At Monday’s meeting, Coun. Louise Wallace-Richmond asked if Downtown Salmon Arm and the Salmon Arm Economic Development Society had been asked for input.
Pearson said they have not.
Wallace-Richmond said although she doesn’t want to keep this from the malls, she would like to hear from the two groups as well as the viewpoint of seniors who were mentioned in the proponent’s letter. The letter stated the financial institution would be convenient for residents of nearby Piccadilly Terrace and Piccadilly Care Centre.
She said she thinks it will be an issue council will have to deal with in the long term, as financial institutions are changing, becoming included much more in retail locations. At this time, however, she is not in support.
Coun. Tim Lavery asked about the legality of rejecting an application if it is supported by the OCP.
Carl Bannister, the city’s chief administrative officer, said council is not obliged to approve the application.
Lavery asked when a larger chain includes a kiosk and some floor space including a counter with a customer service representative, if that is considered a financial institution under the zoning definition. He was told it is.
Lavery, too, said he wouldn’t be supporting the application, given that financial institutions are a critical part of a vibrant downtown.
Coun. Chad Eliason said he does not support the application, noting, “I have been here a long time and have had great discussions at great lengths.”
He pointed out that during the SmartCentres public hearing, retail consultant Richard Wozny recommended that banks and liquor stores be kept in the downtown core.
“We have to do everything we can to maintain its vibrance,” stated Eliason.
Coun. Kevin Flynn said he too is leaning toward not supporting the application, based on history. Like Wallace-Richmond, he would like input from Downtown Salmon Arm and the economic development society. He asked about deferring the motion, but staff noted it will go to council for consideration regardless of the vote.