UPDATE: Initial support given for 147 units, daycare in downtown Kamloops

(UPDATE: July 19 @ 11 am) – Kamloops City Council agreed to the distribution of a public notice for a zoning amendment that would see nearly 150 residential units built on Columbia Street, across from the hospital.

Earlier this week, city council got its first look at a proposal for a 12-storey mixed-use building with a day-care centre that would cater to hospital staff.

The 147 residential units are proposed for 360 Columbia St.

A total of 211 parking stalls are being supplied with 172 in a parkade underneath the building, says the report. The remaining 39 would be on the ground level.

Coun. Sarai asked staff if there was any indication if some of those parking stalls would be available to the public visiting the hospital or local businesses in the area.

Marvin Kwiatkowski, director of Development, Engineering and Sustainability Services, said that wasn’t the developer’s intent but paid parking could be a possibility.

Coun. Karpuk asked if staff knew what hours the daycare would operate.

Kwiatkowski said at this time it was going to be around the clock given the hours at the hospital, however, more details would be given later in the process.

Coun. Middleton told staff she wanted the developers to ensure there was drop off/pick up space for people using the daycare.

A notice for the zoning will be distributed throughout the neighbourhood and the official rezoning will come back to council at a future date.

Original story: July 15 @ 1:30 pm) – Kamloops council will be reviewing a report for a proposed 12-storey mixed- use development.

According to the report, the building would be located at 360 Columbia St. and would include commercial space, a daycare and 147 residential units.

On Tuesday, Kamloops council will be asked to authorize the distribution of public notice for the rezoning and, subject to adoption of the zoning, issue a development permit.

A staff report says the registration of the DP will be subject to payment of a $706, 025 landscape security.

Over 2,400 square metres of the property contains a portion of the Travelodge hotel and parking lot, which will be demolished, staff explain.

Interior Health has reportedly provided a letter of support confirming a daycare partnership, which is intended to serve staff at Royal Inland Hospital.

A pedestrian plaza has been incorporated into the project.

Commercial uses, which could include a restaurant and retail uses, would front onto Columbia Street.

A total of 211 parking stalls are being supplied with 172 in a parkade underneath the building, says the report. The remaining 39 would be on the ground level.

Staff say “adequate” parking areas are provided.

The building could be exempt from the municipal portion of property tax for 10 years if a Revitalization Tax Exemption is submitted and approved.