By Madeline Baker, Times Chronicle
Sandy Beach Suites on Ponderosa Drive will be seeing some major changes in the coming months, and the first step toward putting current plans into motion was made on August 9 when Osoyoos town council approved a development variance permit for Norman Goddard Architecture.
Goddard, working with owner Mustag Pirani, plans to demolish the cabins that date back to Sandy Beach Suites’ opening circa 1962 and add a new structure that will hold the lobby and six hotel suites, with some of the land previously taken up by cabins being converted into green space.
“The resort’s current lobby is undersized and does not have a proper staff office or staff and guest washrooms,” said Goddard in his application. “The new building will offer an enhanced welcome experience for guests which will reinforce Osoyoos as a prime vacation destination.”
Part of the plan involves demolishing the cabins that date back to Sandy Beach Suites’ opening circa 1962 and adding a new structure that will hold the lobby and six hotel suites, with some of the land previously taken up by cabins being converted into green space. Town of Osoyoos graphic.
Older parts of the hotel already encroach on what bylaws refer to as the minimum setback, or distance from the front lot line to the building, of six metres. A variance permit allows for slight, specific deviations from local zoning bylaws, and this permit will allow for the new welcome building to sit three metres from the front lot line.
Given that the buildings built in place of those currently in violation will no longer cross the minimum setback, Goddard’s new design will improve the business’ overall bylaw conformance and town staff saw this as sufficient grounds to recommend that council approve the permit.
Now that the permit has been approved, all future development and building permits will be monitored by town staff to ensure that the variance is strictly followed. Goddard will also have to confirm the feasibility of future designs with the Osoyoos Fire Rescue.
Members of the public who live near the location at 6706 Ponderosa Drive and have concerns about the development can submit written comments or speak in person at the August 23 town council meeting, though they are asked to contact the Town first if they are simply seeking more information.
