Vanta Pacific
The developers of a proposed boutique hotel on Ripple Way will be able to start construction soon, now that Sechelt council has adopted a zoning bylaw that had been waiting for a long list of conditions to be met.
The Vanta Pacific proposal first came to council in 2012. It calls for a 20-suite boutique hotel, spread out through four interconnected buildings and six self-sufficient guest cottages. The second phase will also include a hall suited to small conferences and weddings.
One of the reasons the project was held up was the developer’s decision to concentrate on completing a single-family subdivision on a neighbouring property that was purchased in 2015.
Among the conditions that needed to be met for the rezoning to be adopted was the completion of a joint servicing agreement for both projects.
According to a report from the planning department, that agreement was signed in May and includes construction of Ripple Way from Fairway Avenue to the hotel property, construction of additional infrastructure works, and a beach access trail.
The value of the work to be done under the servicing agreement is estimated at $2.5 million.
After the vote to adopt passed unanimously, Mayor Bruce Milne said he was glad to see the project finally moving forward.
A little bubbly with your trim?
Councillors voted July 4 to endorse an application for a liquor licence from the owners of Studio 2545 Salon and Spa, a business on the ground floor of the Watermark building on Teredo Street.
Rule changes introduced by the province last year allow operations like spas, cooking schools, art galleries, and even bookstores to sell liquor.
“The applicant wishes to augment her business to include the accessory sale of alcoholic beverages to enhance the experience of her customers receiving salon and spa services,” according to a report from the district planning staff.
Councillor Noel Muller said while he liked the idea of encouraging a “lively downtown,” he feels council should try to develop a policy around dealing with these types of applications to ensure a level playing field.
Baillie bollards
Residents concerned about the possible removal of traffic bollards on Baillie Road in West Sechelt appeared before council again on July 4.
District staff, backed by the fire department, have suggested removal of the bollards, but neighbourhood residents say they’re worried it could open up the area to more traffic, in particular heavy truck traffic moving to and from the new developments in the area.
David Gerow presented a detailed timeline going back to 2006 that residents believe shows the original intention of the district was that the bollards would be permanent. “People such as myself purchased our properties and homes knowing that the bollards were in place,” Gerow said. “Which brought us great comfort knowing that the Oracle Heights neighbourhood is safer and quieter without large-volume vehicular traffic”
Gerow said the residents who’ve submitted petitions are passionate about wanting the bollards to remain in place, “to serve the purposes that they were intended for, embedded by unanimous agreement of the numerous parties involved.”
Mayor Bruce Milne told the delegation their submission is being processed and the issue would come back to council.
