Image Credit: City of Kamloops / Richard Hunter Architect

By Michael Reeve

STATION PLAZA

Neighbours concerned with proposed Station Plaza development

May 8, 2023 | 12:03 PM

KAMLOOPS — On Tuesday (May 9), Kamloops council will vote on a development permit for the property at 520 Lorne Street. The proposal is to build a three-storey building on the property with a restaurant and two residential units.

The development meets the zoning for the land but does require a variance for parking.

Included in the council agenda is a long list of public correspondence. In total, three submissions were in favour of the development, nine were opposed and seven others expressed some concern.

Speaking on behalf of neighbours in Station Plaza, Vic Bifano addressed their main concern.

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“It doesn’t meet the requirements of the KAMPLAN. The KAMPLAN is pretty clear on, for example privacy. A three-storey building doesn’t give any of these people any privacy, because you are literally looking out the window and they are looking into your bedroom and deck. And beautification — how does a three-storey building beautify this area?” questioned Bifano. “It just doesn’t make any sense from that perspective.”

Bifano mentioned multiple times that the neighbours are not opposed to development on this particular plot of land and are in fact supportive of it. He simply said they want to see the new building continue to fit in the spirit of Station Plaza.

“We are not opposed to development. We think this has an appropriate place for development. One of the things we have said constantly is, let’s come up with a plan and let the city explore a plan that is suited to the Station Plaza concept and the CN Station and its heritage component in the Kamloops area. Anything that someone comes up with… a plan that suits that need would be welcome here,” said Bifano.

The development will be debated during the regular meeting of council scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.