The Town of Oliver has given the green light to a temporary use permit to allow a vape shop to operate on Main Street.
A vape shop is a retail outlet specializing in the selling of electronic cigarette products.
The application requests that such an establishment be permitted in the basement of an existing building at 5808 Main Street, north of Skagit Avenue. The dwelling currently houses Athina’s Desert Day Spa.
The applicant states the desire to open a smoking cessation shop to help people quit cigarettes by using a personal vaporizer.
“There is a demand for this product. I have over 30 clients that require my help,” the applicant stated. “Tobacco is killing people and it’s time people had a place to come to beat the addiction.”
Under the Town’s zoning bylaw, the property is zoned Commercial Tourist One, which does not permit retail establishment (minor) uses.
Under the Town’s Official Community Plan (OCP), the preferred future land use of the property has been designated as medium density residential.
Planning technician Susan Lightfoot indicated there are numerous other sites such as vacant retail buildings on Main Street that would be better suited for a vape shop. But she said the proposal in question is unlikely to create problems (traffic, parking or noise) in the neighbourhood.
Lightfoot noted that a broad goal of the OCP is to accommodate and encourage new businesses and jobs.
Councillor Jack Bennest said there is some concern about the dangers associated with devices used to inhale vapors.
He also said it seems strange to give a temporary use permit in a building that already accommodates a retail outlet. Council approved the permit for a two-year period.
