More hoops presented for Savoy Hotel project proposal
By Timothy Schafer
Although the rezoning application for the Savoy Hotel property on Baker Street was approved by City council Monday night, there are several checks and balances needed before the project sees the light of a public meeting.
First and second reading on the Land Use Regulation Bylaw passed on the Kootenay Christian Fellowship Church’s application to rezone the building once known as the Savoy Hotel at 198 Baker Street.
The zoning amendment the church is seeking would allow for a mixed-use development that includes the development of a church, meal program, commercial space and 17 fully contained bachelor suites.
However, council elected to not hold a public hearing — the next step in the land use amendment process — until financing is secured, and the project receives backing from BC Housing and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
Once the City receives confirmation on the validity of the project they will move ahead and allow the church to schedule a public hearing pursuant to the Local Government Act.
If the application moves on to third reading, final adoption will be withheld until a housing agreement, that includes standards of maintenance administered by BC Housing, has been registered on title. Amendment approval is also contingent upon the final sale of the property.
That agreement will ensure the 17 units in the building will be preserved as affordable housing in perpetuity and administered by B.C. Housing.
The church had asked the City to waive the fees associated with the development of the site. The City fees associated with the development are approximately $60,000. Council tabled a decision on waiving the fees.
See also
• Savoy proposal passes first hurdle
