What was once a bus stop is destined to become a patio.
In response to a request from Askew’s last year, the bus stop in front of the downtown Askew’s has been moved about 20 metres west down Lakeshore.
Dave Wallace, operations manager with Askew’s Foods, wrote to council recently about the proposed patio, saying that not only will it be good for business, it will complement the Treble Clef and surrounding area.
“Our store has seen a shift from the large grocery cart purchase to more of a basket shop store with ever increasing sales of grab and go lunch deli options,” he stated. “The addition of a patio would not only add to our immediately consumed offerings at our store but we feel it would benefit the downtown core, complementing the patio and treble clef art piece already installed this year.”
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A city staff report explained that the plan includes widening out the sidewalk into the current parking lane in order to make way for a patio area outside and to the east of the store’s future main entrance.
“Generally, encroachments onto city land are not encouraged; however, the applicant is proposing to minimize impacts of the encroachment by widening out the boulevard area to maintain existing pedestrian facilities at the expense of approximately two parking stalls,” states the report.
🚏 Bus Stop Relocation 🚏 Council approved Askew's request to relocate the bus terminal in front of their downtown location. It is now operational and located further down Lakeshore Drive (80 meters west) in front of the Askew’s parking lot. pic.twitter.com/PYzTBQXewF
— City of Salmon Arm (@SalmonArmBC) November 25, 2019
Staff also pointed out that patio areas contribute to creating a vibrant downtown.
“Significant work was previously put into creating a framework to allow temporary patio areas during the summer months,” states the report; “however, there was minimal uptake on this option from the core businesses.”
In November 2018 the Downtown Parking Commission approved the general concept as well as the net loss of two parking stalls.
Staff recommended that council approve the plan as long as it’s subject to: approved engineering drawings and an opinion of probable cost; issuance of a highway use permit (which would include things like safety requirements, construction requirements and proof of contractor insurance); and a signed encroachment agreement.
Council followed staff’s recommendation.
Mayor Alan Harrison expressed his approval, predicting that the plan would make the area more vibrant and pedestrian friendly.
@SalmonArm
marthawickett@saobserver.net
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