A local automotive repair shop has applied to the Town of Osoyoos to open an expanded automotive repair shop on land near the Osoyoos Airport.

“The proposed development would allow the prospective purchaser to relocate an existing business and expand its operations within the community,” said senior town planner Dilys Huang during a presentation to town council on Monday.

The unnamed proprietor “wishes to construct a facility for the purpose of indoor automotive storage, repair, restoration and sales,” said Huang. “These uses are proposed to be located either within one building or within two separate buildings. A caretaker suite with a floor area up to a maximum of 1,080 square feet is also proposed.”

Council voted in favour of a motion to give first and second reading to the current zoning bylaw to add a site-specific provision for the airport property.

“Since the town is the owner of the subject property and has received an offer to purchase subject to the approval of the above-mentioned site specific permitted use, the town has agreed to act as the application for this zoning bylaw amendment,” she said.

The town has attempted to encourage industrial development near the Osoyoos Airport and more than two years ago was considering a proposal to close the airport and develop an industrial park on airport lands, not far from the current Buena Vista Industrial Park.

The lot being considered for sale is located across from Hwy. 3, only a stones throw from the industrial park.

The lot would be located south of the current airstrip south of Osoyoos Airport lands.

Mayor Sue McKortoff said she is happy that council has voted in favour of moving forward to allow this auto repair shop to become a reality.

“This is a viable business that will employ several people,” she said.

Jim Zakall, the town’s director of financial services, told council that the provincial government, which is a co-owner of the land, has been involved in discussions to sell this land.

If the deal is approved, the town and provincial government would share the profits.

“The proposed development will also be subject to a development permit application following the zoning bylaw amendment process since the parcel is located within the Industrial Development Permit Area,” said Huang.

Now that council has approved first and second reading of the zoning bylaw amendment, the application will be forwarded to applicable referral agencies and departments for comments, she said.

KEITH LACEY

Osoyoos Times