After several months, and very lengthy discussions in council, the village’s bylaw for off-street parking and loading will be amended and adopted.
Amendments for the retail section of the bylaw include: two parking spaces per alley or bowling lane, one space per 20 square meters or 250 feet for retail/convenience store, one space per unit for hotels and motels, one space per eight seats at a neighbourhood pub instead of four seats, a hostel now requires one space per four beds and one parking space per eight seats for a restaurant.
Public hearing
Before the village council meeting began, a preliminary hearing was held to enable villagers to voice their opinions on topics facing bylaw amendments.
Cheryl Johnson-Dunfield and Theresa Johnson spoke in favour to allow the bylaw change which would allow for medical marijuana commercial production facilities that have been authorized by the federal government and are located in the Agriculture Land Reserve (ALR) RU1 agricultural zone.
The women have a property which has been in the family for over 100 years in the ALR RU1 zone. Over the last 15 years they have tried to find what would be the best use of the land. They would like the option of trying to grow medical marijuana.
Five residents spoke on the proposed changes to the parking bylaw. Many spoke in favour of changing the bylaw. Some wanted to see less requirements required for parking, as they think the current requirements are too high.
Village projects update
In his report, Warren Leigh, director of operations listed some of the projects his department has completed so far.
Among them were paving and line painting from road cuts made during water and sewer line repairs, an emergency waterline repair at one of the sites of the municipal campground, and a meeting with the new environmental protection officer to review the drinking water requirements, operating permit, monitoring and reporting.
Works in progress include waste water treatment plant monitoring, a mapping of village infrastructure, and a revision of contracts for maintenance of private fire hydrants, in accordance with policy changes.
Waterfront lighting project
Approximately half the wiring for the Rotary waterfront lighting project was completed by the contractor during their first visit. A second visit has been scheduled to allow the completion of the preliminary wiring.