The developers of a small resort in West Porpoise Bay have been given the OK for a rezoning of their water lease to allow for a commercial dock.
Vanta Pacific, had applied in 2015 to have the zoning changed from W-1, a recreation use, to C-3, a tourist commercial use.
The Vanta Pacific resort is currently accessed from Poise Island Drive, but will use Ripple Way once construction of the road is complete.
The property has 183 metres of waterfront, and an existing five-metre by six-metre residential dock.
The proposal for a bigger, commercial dock was scaled down after a public hearing and consultations with neighbours.
The water area to be rezoned was reduced from 0.408 hectares to approximately 0.177 hectares.
The developer has also agreed to limit dock uses to guests who want to arrive by boat and tie up during their stay, year-round moorage for two resort-owned boats, and kayak and paddle board rentals for resort guests.
There will not be any structures or a fuelling station on the dock, seaplanes will not be allowed to access it and jet-skis will not be permitted.
The planning department report presented to council Dec. 19 said, “The resort and its dock will be a welcome addition to Sechelt’s tourism facilities, enhancing the community’s role as a destination by providing a boutique hotel, restaurant, spa, and waterfront recreation opportunities.”
The vote in favour was unanimous.
Construction of the resort is expected to begin in 2019.
