A two-storey, Tibetan Buddhist Meditation and Cultural Centre is proposed on Cowrie Street across from the municipal hall.
Last month, the Advisory Planning Commission recommended Sechelt issue a development permit but with some recommendations for staff and council to consider as the project advances.
If approved as proposed, the project will eventually include two separate buildings located in the front and rear of the property at 5788 Cowrie St., with a courtyard in between. The primary building (one) will include a drop-in centre for meditation and sharing of Tibetan Buddhism and culture, while the second building will include accommodation, office space and a ground-level store to support the drop-in centre.
The development permit report was compiled on behalf of Brett Carlyle, owner asset manager and operating partner for the centre, by Urban Arts Architecture, Land Affairs landscape architecture, and Sunco Civil Consulting Ltd. The report was presented by Tyson Baker, senior development planner for the district.
According to the report, one building will be located at the rear of the property abutting Ocean Avenue and Seiner Lane, while the second will face Cowrie Street and Ocean Avenue.
The accommodations, which will be located on the southern edge of the site with access off Ocean Avenue, includes living spaces for the full-time caretaker, three guest bedrooms for visiting students and teachers, a sauna, lounge area, and a sundeck overlooking Cowrie.
The ground floor will include a spacious kitchen, dining room and a living room centered around a fireplace, “ideal for hosting guests.” The ground floor will also include an accessible bedroom and bathroom. Through a folding glazed wall, the living spaces will connect to the exterior to support hosting of larger gatherings and indoor-outdoor living.
According to a commission report, it’s anticipated both structures will utilize natural materials such as stone, wood and glass, and a portion of the roofs would incorporate natural vegetation (a green roof) and skylights.
The report notes the proposed development meets the parking and overall zoning requirements of the pre-existing C-4 zone, though a variance may be required for the streetscape design along Ocean Avenue, which, under Bylaw No. 430, requires a linear sidewalk rather than a meandering sidewalk as proposed in the submission. The report notes the proposed sidewalk will be discussed internally with the engineering and operations division to ensure it’s suitable. Many commission members expressed their support for the sidewalk, which the applicant said was designed with tree preservation in mind.
Meditation space
According to the architect’s report, the meditation space will offer a “luminous sanctuary for group meditation and workshops of 25 participants.” The space can connect to the exterior deck through a folding glazed wall, extending the capacity for gatherings through the courtyard, and allowing for connection from indoors to outdoors. At the heart of the site, linking the meditation space and the accommodations, is the courtyard gardens, with colourful plantings, a meditation deck and outdoor living spaces.
Some comments and questions noted by the commissioners in the report include, the proposed setbacks comply with the current zoning, there will be a full-time, live-in monk who will also be the caretaker and run the meditation centre, and the accommodation is proposed for students of Tibetan Buddhism, travelling scholars and those practicing meditation. As well, the accommodation availability is intended to support the drop-in function of the space.
The Tibetan Buddhist Meditation and Cultural Centre is a local non-profit organization and the proposed retail space would include small items such as books, sound bowls and flags, and they also hope to serve tea.
“The applicant is aiming to create an inviting space to engage with the public and introduce those who wish, to Tibetan culture,” the report adds.
Water use
The report also notes the applicant plans to minimize water use and maximize water reuse. The fountain water will be recycled when possible and the applicant will be respectful of any water restrictions when they are in place. The applicant also plans to capture and retain any rainwater and on-site water to provide irrigation to the proposed garden.
Parking
When it comes to parking, the applicant does not foresee excessive vehicle parking demands, however, many commissioners felt the proposed stalls are insufficient, said the report. Staff clarified the proposed parking meets the requirements for the project’s drop-in and tourist accommodation designation — one parking stall each is provided for the caretaker, tourist accommodation, office and retail space, as well as one accessible parking stall. Street parking and neighbouring parking may be needed, as underground parking is not feasible for the site. The goal is for the centre to be a destination people walk to or take alternative transportation.
Next steps
Comments and recommendations provided by the commission will be brought to council along with a staff report and a draft development permit for consideration. Should council approve the issuance of the development permit, the applicant will need to adhere to all applicable bylaws, legislation, and apply for a building permit prior to starting construction.
