A Temporary Use Permit (TUP) has been approved for a laser tag facility to be brought to Oliver.

Town council was supportive of the application that sought a three-year TUP to allow an indoor laser tag facility at 5966 Sawmill Road in Oliver.

“I was so excited to see this application. I am definitely in favour. I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for indoor recreation,” Councillor Aimee Grice said about the proposal. The applicant has a plan to use the front building on the lot for the planned laser tag facility. The site is zoned general industrial.

The application stated that they will make improvements to the facility that include platforms and other temporary items that will be able to be removed if the facility does not continue after the three year period.

The applicant stated in their letter to council that they understand the risk involved in investing this much for a temporary use permit.

“The alterations to the building could be used for future industrial uses and the platform for the laser tag arena will be built so it can be removed easily.”

The main problem that the town saw with the application was the amount of on-street parking in the industrial area and the potential impact on business in the area.

The three-year TUP will offer time to monitor and understand the impacts if there are any.

Grice noted that she sees very little potential for negative impact on the surrounding area, saying “There is lots of on-street parking there and this is going to be utilized on the evenings and weekends and that shouldn’t be interfering with the other businesses that are in the area.”

Councillor Petra Veintimilla noted she was also excited to see this application come forward as well.

“We talk a lot about opportunities for youth to engage in some productive activities, after hours and on the weekends and this would be providing an opportunity that doesn’t exist.”

The Town received two feedback forms in response to this application, one in favour and one against the proposal. Veintimilla pointed out that neither form had any comments or reasons why on them.

“It’s unfortunate because it’s hard to know, the one in opposition, why they were in opposition and if there was anything we could talk about right now to help ease their concerns.”