Residential development in Salmon Arm is moving onward and upward, with city council having approved a six-storey condo for the waterfront.
A memo by the city’s development services department notes the proposed Shoreline Tower, a six-floor building with 15 units, is planned for an 878-square metre parcel of land at 131 Harbourfront Dr. NE – adjacent to the new fourplex buildings beside the Prestige Harbourfront Resort.
At the Monday, Oct. 22 public hearing for the related development permit, city development services manager Kevin Pearson noted the proposal meets the city’s form and character guidelines, and there were no variances being requested.
Related: Public hearing for waterfront plan June 22
During the hearing, Harbourfront Drive resident Nancy Moore spoke out. She called a six-storey building along the shoreline a ‘precedent-setting travesty,’ and was critical of the proposed development coming with one parking stall per unit.
“I’m not opposed to a building going there, just maybe a few less units might be better,” said Moore.
Mayor Nancy Cooper interjected, reiterating the proposed building meets the requirements the C6 Tourist/Recreational Commercial zone, including the parking requirements, which Pearson explained is 1.25 stalls per unit.
Council was unanimous in its approval of the permit, with Coun. Alan Harrison pointing out that even if they thought the building was too tall or there wasn’t enough parking, “there’s nothing that we can do about it at this hearing because it fits the C6 zoning.”
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“The C6 zoning says you’re allowed to build to six storeys and you have to have a certain number of parking spaces,” said Harrison. “Really, what we’re being asked here tonight is, do you like the look of the building… so, my answer is I like the look of the building.”
Coun. Chad Eliason said he hoped the building would spur other developments in the area and create a more vibrant downtown.
“I think the biggest thing we’re going to find out from this is… I think the Prestige will have to do something about their parking in the short term because you’re right, there will be some traffic down there, there will be some parking issues… especially if the building across the street, or the property across the street from you guys goes ahead,” said Eliason.
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