By Sebastian Kanally, Times Chronicle
A metal storage container will be visible in Oliver’s downtown core for six months of the next two years.
Oliver council granted a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) to Okanagan College to place a metal storage container on their property at 339 Fairview Road. The container will be allowed to be there for a maximum of 100 days this year and next.
The college explained to the town that the metal storage container is needed to store medical equipment for their nursing program and after the program is finished each year it will be moved off-site.
These types of metal containers are not allowed in the Town Centre Zone, and require a TUP because the town wants to transition the area from industrial uses to more commercial uses. The report notes that because of this “the permanent use of a metal storage container would not be aligned with the long-term vision.”
One of the main areas of concern for allowing these TUPs is the unsightly nature of the metal containers. In April of 2023, the Firehall Bistro had a similar application which was approved to remain on their property.
Councillor Petra Veintimilla noted that in the case of the Firehall application, camouflage, sightlines and fencing became a large part of the discussion around their application being approved.
This container that the college will have on-site will not be camouflaged at all and will be visible from Main St.
Veintimilla explained that she would like to see some screening of some sort, but as council discussed the matter further, the nature of the property prevented such efforts from being effective.
For example, the container is approximately three metres tall and the tallest fence allowed is the same height.
Council also discussed that no plan has been discussed for the long term storage of the equipment beyond the TUP period.
Councillor David Mattes wanted to know what this plan was because the purpose of a TUP is “we need this on a temporary basis because we have a plan to do something else.”
The original application asked for a three year TUP, but council agreed that two years is enough time for the College to figure out a permanent solution.
Mayor Martin Johansen summed up the sentiment of council when he said, “I’m willing to do two years, I think it’s a worthwhile program, and if the program is successful and continues on then it’s going to benefit us and other communities as well.” He also pointed out the fact that it’s not there all year round.
