Variance permit
City of Powell River council has issued notice of a development variance permit for some aspects of a subdivision on Catalyst Paper Corporation lands.
The property lies west of Marine Avenue between Yew and Fir streets. The subdivision would create three new lots that will be transferred to the city, as outlined in an agreement in principle (AIP) between the city and Catalyst. The lots will be used for the barge facility and to secure parking for Dwight Hall, as well as for other uses that are not yet known.
Under current policy and existing bylaws, all new subdivision of lands must have full municipal services before the approving officer can approve the subdivision plan. The three lots are currently serviced by Catalyst.
The development variance permit would waive the works and servicing requirements, except for those that are related to meeting BC Fire Code and building code requirements with respect to emergency access, fire hydrant certification and water supply for fire fighting capability. Carlos Felip, manager of development services, said, in terms of safety, there is no risk.
Specifically, the variance permit would vary the infrastructure design and construction bylaw so that: the access road to the property won’t have to be repaired or remediated and a left turn lane would not be required off Marine Avenue at the access road entrance; a new traffic impact study will not be required for the entrance to the land and access road; a city water main for potable water will not have to be installed; and a sanitary main extension and a storm water management plan will not be required.
Felip said staff expect the lots will be connected to city services when building permits and business licences are issued.
Councillor Debbie Dee pointed out that some residents who live near the entrance to the access road have raised concerns about increased truck traffic. Felip said staff believe concerns can be resolved by making the access road one way.
Mayor Dave Formosa said the city should also put a stop to trucks staging at the entrance to the access road, adjacent to the viewpoint.
All residents who live within 60 metres of the property will receive notice of council’s intention to pass a resolution approving the permit.
Transit fees
Powell River Regional District directors voted to increase paratransit fees at the June board meeting.
BC Transit recommended increasing the adult paratransit fee by 25 cents for zones two and three and an increase from $20 to $22.50 for a book of tickets.
Zone two is in rural areas outside of the City of Powell River. Zone three is on Texada Island.
The city is raising its transit fees by 25 cents beginning in September. BC Transit recommended the regional district increase paratransit fares to maintain the current ratio of fares between zones. The last increase to adult fares was 25 cents in July 2011.
Fully accessible bus service is available for regional district residents on the following routes: Stillwater to Roberts Road; Stillwater to Powell River; Lund to Powell River; and Shelter Point on Texada to Powell River.
For bus schedules and maps, interested readers should follow the links on the BC Transit website,
