A business licence cancelled by a bylaw officer was re-instated by Sechelt council Wednesday night.
At their July 17 regular meeting, councillors heard from lawyer James Graham on behalf of Patrick and Jackie Cross who maintained they wrongfully had their business licence taken away by bylaw enforcement in May.
Cross Trainers Holistic Health Playground had their home business licence cancelled after bylaw officers received an unspecified number of complaints about vehicle traffic and noise generated by the business in November of last year.
After investigating, bylaw enforcement sent a letter to the Crosses saying they were in contravention of noise and home occupation bylaws in February, and their licence was cancelled in May.
Graham said the Crosses were never told exactly what the problem was or how to fix it. He also provided evidence that a neighbour had threatened to have the business shut down if they wouldn't give up easement ownership, which the Crosses refused to do for access reasons.
Graham said the business had spent nearly $4,000 to build a new parking area to keep vehicles off the street and noted the building is insulated and "largely underground" so "you can't hear any sounds outside the building."
He also presented numerous letters in support of the home-based business from surrounding residences.
Graham noted bylaw enforcement did not work with the Crosses to fix any of the alleged problems at their facility.
"There should be a willingness to work with the owners," he said.
Council agreed and made a motion to do so.
They voted unanimously to return the licence with conditions the owners address the alleged bylaw infractions and ensure compliance with District bylaws.
"I think in the next few days our staff will be in touch and we'll work out the process and figure out how to address all the different facets of this," Mayor John Henderson said.
Airport update
During council reports Coun. Chris Moore noted some private businesses in Vancouver have expressed an interest in getting involved with Sechelt's airport expansion.
Even so, the airport advisory committee is seeking up to $5 million for the airport project from the provincial government.
"Several of us will probably be in Victoria over the next weeks. We'll see if we can get a cheque or get a commitment," Moore said.
"We're also looking at some other possible funding partnerships or opportunities with small private equity organizations in Vancouver that have expressed interest, so that's kind of exciting."
Art signs
Coun. Doug Hockley took back his request to have the entrance signs to Sechelt painted to make them more visible after hearing they were art pieces, not just signs.
The wooden welcome signs were commissioned by the District in the early 1990s and created by artist Anna Hanson. She has also helped with their maintenance and restoration over the years.
Hockley noted a piece of art is "totally different" than a sign, which could be repainted without cause for concern.
"It's a completely different ballpark," Hockley said. "So I certainly don't want to injure in any way the artist who created that for the District of Sechelt and I'm quite prepared, as is suggested by her, to entertain discussions on how those two objects can be maintained and enhanced from her perspective."
