Dawn Levesque

From:Sent:To:Subject:

christy shaw < mntgoodness@yahoo.ca>Wednesday, July 22,20L5 2:40 PM

Council; Mark McKee; adminregarding highway development proposal

Good Afternoon, the following is an email I just sent to the Chamber, and was directed to send it to you as well,thank you. (this letter is regarding the grocery store/pharmacy proposal)

My two cents. This is an absurd idea. First and foremost, our highway exit (including the above lightintersection by Subway) is busy and dangerous enough. The fact that we have to employ flag persons onweekends directing traffic so people can idle their way through fast food drive thru's shows us that that part oftown is congested enough. A new grocery store will NOT drive down prices at Coopers and Southside - they(the new store) will likely charge more as their main customers will be highway traffic in which case they cancharge what ever they like for the convenience of not having to pull into town. Speaking of pulling in to town,tourists won't, guaranteed. I am situated atthat end of town and talk to a lot of tourists aheady who don't makeit all the way downtown. And remember it is the small businesses in town that support the community'sfundraisers such as skiing and soccer and rod and gun club, bike to work etc etc etc, and if their business goes

down, so will their donations. I myself donate to at least 4 fundraisers a month and wouldn't be able to do this ifmy sales were lower. And these new stores will likely pay their employees minimum wage, and considering lastmonth when I put an add out for staff there were 132 jobs posted in town, this will create an ever greater needfor staff in a town that can't fill jobs. I have lived in a lot of small towns, Blue River, Nelson, Ymir, Jasper, toname a few, and Revelstoke is by far the most beautiful and charming and charismatic place I have ever hungmy hat. Everyone who comes to visit raves about our downtown core and its shops and cafes and friendlypeople. This will change will a highway mall. The fact that this might go ahead infuriates me. It likely won'teven effect my business but my heart breaks at what it will do to other small businesses in town (that havehelped build this community) and the community spirit in general. If people wanted box stores and strip mallson highways, they would have moved somewhere else to begin with. Sincerely, Christy Shaw, MountainGoodness Natural Foods

1

Robin Brooks-Hill1070 Cashato Crescent,

Revelstoke, BC

rwbrookhill @tel us.netJuly 23,2015

Mr. Dean Strachan,Manager of Development Services,

City of Revelstoke.

Dear Mr. strachan, RE; proposed Shopping Centre along Trans-Canada Highway

As a relatively recent newcomer to Revelstoke (9 years), I would like to comment on the abovementioned proposal.

One of the attractions to me of Revelstoke as a small community was its ¡ntact, vibrant olddowntown with a variety of small independent merchants and businesses.

I come from Southern Ontario where there are many older small communities. I have witnessedrepeatedly in the past half century the gradual deterioration of the old downtowns and hearts of thecommunities by the allure of shopping malls on the outskirts of the communities.

Rather than enhance the vibrancy of the local communities, these peripheral developmentshave strangled the heart and character of the older communities. The downtowns wither and die andthe town becomes another "cookie cutter' community with franchised non locally owned and operatedenterprises circling the communities.

ln the future, as Revelstoke moves toward more of a resort community, the uniqueness,quaintness and vibrancy of our downtown is an essential feature to be maintained to distinguish us fromthe many other resort communities which lack our heritage.

Please don't be seduced by the allure of new, quick cheaper shopping at the expense of whatwe have. I believe a development as proposed, would jeopardize what so many of us cherish and love

about our community.

Sincerely,

Robin Brooks-Hill

CC: Mayor, City of RevelstokeRevelstoke Review

Strip mall for Revelstoke, July, 2015

Dawn Levesque

From:Sent:To:Subject:

Denis Severino <dendiggity@gmail.com>Thursday, )uly 23,2015 LI:24 AMCou nci l; mayorm mckee@ revelstoke.ca

Highway Development

Dear Mayor McKee and Revelstoke City Council,

I'm writing to express my opposition to the proposal for the highway development.

Don't corporatize Revelstoke any further!

Driving out small businesses and allowing prohts to line the pockets of investors is shameful.

It's also already congested enough atthat intersection.

Let the tourists buy their corporate wares in other cities, or go downtown to support our small businesses.

Denis Severino

1

REcË,iAUri 0 b Z(}tt

CìTY REVELSTOKE

VE,DTo Revelstr¡ke Council August 5 2015

RE: Rezoning Request from, Hall Pacific Enterprise lnc,0t

It is my understanding that this re zoning request is that of the corporate

developer request not a Revelstoke business or any existing ties that are

requiring expansion with no other options to them thus, they have turned to this

property to request a rezoning application.

ls this rezoning request going to rely only on the traffic from Hl way to service

them? As a retail development of this size and complexity this development will

require larger market than the Hl way can offer for its year round sustainability.

What will this developer offer Revelstoke? As there is not the proper road and

sídewalk infrastructure in place to have residential Revelstoke safely access to this

location. I see no traffic plan use other than in and out with a cul-de-sac approach

fortraffic. Let's see a plan that allows Victoria Road traffic able to access withoutaccessing the Hl Way.

Plan lacks Accommodation/ refuelling / ample Hl way traffic parking, such as

trailers and truckers. Should this property be consumed for retail, what locations

are there going to be available for Hl way traffic growth and accommodations?

Many retailers and landlords of commercial properties have strong investments in

their present locations. Being blind sided with an OCP change as such of thisnature puts any element of risk into the existing properties. Grocery, drug stores

and liquor, are as you know, anchors, but so are fuel stations Hotels, Motels and

convenience / garden markets stores.

Council should encourage, with incentives that allow the infill for any olderproperties and spaces and encourage development within existing boundaries forany retail growth of this rezoning request. Welcome this developer to invest alongVictoria road, etc.

I understand that this property will have commercial development on it one day.

Please insure that development wíll fit well with Hi way concernsj traffic flow and

priority use for the limited land that is at Revelstokes gateway.

ln summary this request is that of a developer to fulfíll their requirements and

their concerns first. Please use caution to consider how you hold to task any

developer's request that does not have Revefstokes OCP at best interest,

Why have an OCP? So it can be changed.... just like rules.

lf this request is approved when and where will the next zone 9 property of this

size be located and allocated given this was part of the plan.

ln my opinion this proposal lack imaginatíon. What is Revelstoke going to get, a

strÍp mall so to speak. f council has the appetíte for this project then here is a

suggestion. Have this developer comeback with plans that include condos that areof time share type. Ones to handle this city seasonal shortage of accommodation.Or better yet more affordable housing. After all this development is to bring theallure of cheaper groceries, prescription, booze and who know maybe even shoes.

Seriously why not utilize this property with two three even four levels. Greatlocation for seasonal rentals on upper levels, don't you think.

Good luck with your decisions

Respectfully

Malcol B

Cindy Floyd

From:Sent:To:Subject:

Eve Fisher <evef@me.com>

Friday, August 07,20L5 5:48 PM

Council; adminRezoning of area along Trans Canada

I understand there is an application to rezone the area along the Trans Canada Highway which is currently being set

aside for hotel development and allow it to become a retail complex. I feel strongly that this application should be

denied as it would seriously affect the viability of the downtown core.

I seem to recall the Resort development at the ski hill was incorporated within City Boundaries so that we should have

some control over the growth of the Resort community at the expense of the established downtown area. As a resultthe future of the established commercial centre was preserved. ln considering the rezoning application I think weshould make a decision which continues to promote this way of thinking. Allowing a retail development along theHighway will encourage travellers to make a "Highway stop" and fail to bring them downtown to explore what othertourist opportunities Revelstoke has to offer.

Eve Fisher250 837 26L7

I

Cindy Floyd

Subject: FW: HIGHWAY DEVELOPMENT

From: Bill Shuttlewofth [mailto:shuttlewofth@telus.net]Sent: Saturday, August 15,2015 1:28 PM

To: Council; adminSubject: HIGHWAY DEVELOPMENT

Your Worship and Councillors;

Re: Proposed rezoning of property on Trans CanadaHighway opposite Hwy. 23 N

Condensed version - a grocery store and pharmacy at this location is ridiculous. 'Nuff said" but I'll elaborateanyhow.

1. I really don't think Revelstoke needs another of either retailer.2. We have an attractive, friendly downtown core. Let's concentrate on that and not become a highway

strip mall.3. How often have you been driving along the highway, seen a grocery store or pharmacy and stopped just

for a look see? Anyone, such as campers, needing supplies can and do come into town for them and thisis what we want.

4. Highway travellers do stop for hotels and such accommodation and once stopped for the night, we canattractthem to explore our city which again is what we want.

Also, I agree with the person who suggested relocation our entrance up there. A good intersection/entrancerequires space and space is still available there. I doubt there will ever be a good solution to the traffic problemusing the present location.

Yours truly,ßíIL Slw,rdn¡'uoúl^,250-837-5901

1

Steven Hui

S&C Hui Enterprises Ltd dba Pharmasave#213

PO Box 680

Revelstoke, B.C.

voE 2s0

Ph : 250-837 -2028 Fx: 250-837 -4636 e ma i I : owner@ p harm asaverevelstoke.com

August 3L,2075

Re: comments on rezoning of the CD-9 area on the TransCanada Highway for retail mall

Dear City of Revelstoke Mayor and Council,

I am writingto provide my perspective and opinion on the proposed strip mall development

alongtheTransCanada Highway in Revelstoke. lcan stand proud to saythat lam a longtime business

owner (28 years this coming October) and also property and building owner. I have always told my

friends, colleagues and family how blessed I am to live and do business in a caring and progressive

thinking community. Revelstoke has always been supportive of my businesses over the years and I have

never regretted moving here.

I have had the privilege to sit on two city advisory committees over the last decade - Economic

Development and Community Enhancement, I left the economic development advisory committee acouple of years ago, but still sit on community enhancement advísory committee. I can say that many ofthe projects considered and undertaken have been to improve the amount of traffic into the downtownarea. There are many new young entrepreneurs who have new ventures that need new traffic going by

their business fronts. lt is an ongoing challenge and the development of a large retail centre located on

the highway is certain to divert an appreciable amount of traffic away from the downtown core.

The millions of dollars of co-operative investment between city and the property owners have

created an authentic and unique walking/shopping experience. I believe Revelstoke has the mostbeautíful downtown in the inter¡or of BC - bar none. I believe any future development anywhere in thecommunity needs to maintain or exceed the bar that we have established.

The current land use and zoning (CD-g) is in my opinion stillthe best use of said property. The

downtown businesses rely on every traveller to stop and enjoy the amenities and shop. I know council

will be considering allsides of the proposed development but I call upon an old proverb "a bird in thehand is worth two in the bush". Thank you for all the work you have done to receive public comment on

this important issue,

Respectfully,

RECEIVET)'- ./ Iv._/

sEP 0 I 20î5

EIW OF REVELSTOKE

Steven Hui

Cindy Floyd

From:Sent:To:Subject:

john p Netzel <johnnetzel56@9mail.com>

Monday, August 3L,2015 9:51 4MadminRezoning of Highway property

The Netzel family has owned a commercial building in downtown Revelstoke for more than 50 years. I amconcerned about the rezoning of property on the highway for a shopping mall.The downtown revitalization was paid for by a surtax on the building owners for many years in order to bringtourists into the city. This has been successful and has helped draw people into the downtown area. Therezoning of the property to allow a shopping area on the highway would quite probably keep tourists fromcoming into the city core to shop. This would be detrimental to the businesses in the downtown area and theowners of the buildings. There are all the services the the traveling public need in the downtown area and thisshould be promoted. I believe the council should not rezone this property for a shopping mall which would notbe beneflrcial to the city and the taxpayers who have contributed to the revitalization of the downtown. Thankyou.John P. Netzel

1

GEOFFREY S. BATTERSBY, BA, MD,BOX 480, REVELSTOKE, BC, V0E2S0.

E-MAIL: - geoffbattersby@hotmail.com

PHONE: - 250 837 4540

Sept 1 ,2015

Mayor Mark McKee and City Council,City of Revelstoke,PO Box 170,Revelstoke, BC, V0E2S0

Dear Mayor McKee and City Council:

Re: - Proposed Zoning change and Mall DevelopmentOn TCH Platt Property

I understand there will be a public hearing on this issue on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015. I am making a

written submission because I may not be in Revelstoke on that date. Please file this as part of the

public record at the hearing.

I believe that the property is currently zoned "Highway Commercial" and that the use is restricted to

the needs of the traveling public - hotel/motel accommodation, fuelling services, conveniencestores, restaurants and fast food outlets, ete. The development proponents want the zoningbroadened to include pharmacies, large-scale grocery stores and other types of retail/serviceactivity. Anchor tenancies of this nature will surely be a draw away from the City Core.

I had understood that the original zoning was for the specific purpose of keeping a broad range ofretail and other services limited to the Commercial core - Downtown Revelstoke. I now understand

that part of the intent of çommercial development on the highway corridsr is to crcatç sçrviçes and

amenities that would assist in drawing the traveling public off the Trans Canada Highway. It is myopinion that the nature of the requested additional uses will have the opposite effect. If the travelingpublic can pick up their groceries and drug store needs on the highway, they will have even less

reason to venture into the City.

For years, the Chamber of Commerce, Fconomic Development Commission and other groups have

struggled with how to attract into town the thousands of tourists that pass by Revelstoke every year

Various efforts on this matter have steadily paid off over the almost 30 years of effort - kicked offby our landmark Downtown Revit¿lization Project of 1986. A prime feature that our visitorsappreciate is our vibrant, compact downtown shopping area - a feature that is the envy of many

much larger communities that are trying to revive their downtowns! This attraction must be

protected and encouraged to flourish.

It is of note that new and refurbished malls are seeking to çreate the strcet appearanae und "g{reet

feel" ambience in their developments. We don't have to artificially create that. We have it!

RECEIVED

CITYOf RIYEI.STOKE

sEP 0 3 20t5

It is also of note that the "Smart Communities" concept is largely based on "walkable"communities. The proposed changes will create an automobile oriented situation.

Why would Revelstoke make the mistake of allowing major retail developments beyond the CifyCore when so many communities have struggled to revitalize their devastated downtowns followingperipheral shopping centre development? Those communities include Kelowna, Kamloops, PrinceGeorge, Squamish, and many others.I agree that the growth of communities will inevitably require

decentralized shopping âreas but Revelstoke is small enough and for some number of years will be

ofa size tojustify restricting the broad ran1e ofretail and other service functions to the central

commercial core.

In the late 80's and early 90's, Council traveled to various resort communities. Common advice was

the time worn maxim "be careful what you wish fof'. Perhaps more importantly, we were advised

to guard against letting developers do projects that would detract from or destroy the very fabric ofRevelstoke that had garnered their attention in the first place. Again, our vibrant downtown is a key

component of what makes Revelstoke so attractive to our visitors, to developers, and to our many

new residents.

A feature of Revelstoke that impacts our retail sector is our relative isolation and the absence ofsignificant market to draw on in nearby areas. That introduces elements of vulnerability and

fragility to the retail sector.

All of these observations are not about sparing our existing retailers from competition but rather

about making that competition take place in the Central Commercial Core where it belongs withattendant enhancement of The Core. This is not a criticism of pro-business and pro-growthobjectives. This is about planning at its highest level. \ilhat are the features and fabric of thiscommunity that we highly value and want to see further developed/enhanced for future generations

to look back on, and say, "They did it right"?

Thank you for your consideration

Sincerely,

Geoffrey S. Battersby

fi

eüe t,ó

t'tmdcrthLvt4s g cL*hív,4

Øli Ç/íØ.,¿ (,þ,n, Cùà*,.t. ..

September 2,2015

Bette's Underthings & ClothingBox 899,Revelstoke BC, VOE 2S0

City of RevelstokePlanning and Engineering Department216 Mackenzie Ave,Box 170

Revelstoke BC, V0E 2S0

To Whom lt May Concern,

I am writing this letter to express my concern for the proposed development on the Trans-CanadaHighway across from the Frontier Motel and Restaurant.

As a new business owner and long-time resident of Revelstoke, this proposed development concerns meon many levels, Since moving to here in 1988, the City of Revelstoke has worked diligently to promoteour stunning downtown, We now have a destination to be proud of that is distinctive and beautiful.Tourists and locals have kept the downtown vibrant, and it would be a shame to see a highwaydevelopment jeopardise this, As a business owner, I have invested a considerable amount of bothmoney and time into growing a successful enterprise downtown, and it scares me to think of theconsequences of promoting an area for tourists to shop on the highway. Do we really want Revelstoketo become another town that loses its uniqueness with the development of big box stores?

The City of Revelstoke and its citizens have to keep the vision of our stunning little city and the directionof future developments in mind, and make sure it's the best interest of all concerned.Let's work together to ensure a vibrant downtown is mainta¡ned, with successful businesses at its core!

Most Sincerely,

Yvette PendergastOwner/Bette's Underthings & Clothing

RECEIVEÞ

CITY OF REI'E¡.9TOKE

sEP 0 3 2015

Cindy Floyd

From:Sent:To:Subiect:

Dean Strachan

Friday, September 04,2015 3:32 PM

adminFwd:Trans Canada Highway shopping centre proposal

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From : Julia Sievwright <juliasievwri ght@email. com>Date: September 4,2015 at3:29:07 PM PDTTo : "development@revel stoke.ca" (development@revelstoke.ca>

Cc: Goodman Judy <executive@revelst , markmckee <markmckee@telus.net>

Subject: Trans Canada Highway shopping centre proposal

Mayor and Council:A few unoriginal observations regarding the proposed retail complex on the TransCanada

Highway.-Revelstoke is an isolated, limited, fragile, retail market with a potential trading area that is

negligible to nonexistent-A significant number of existing retailers exist in Revelstoke primarily based on lifestylechoices but aren't actually achieving a market return on equity and aren't able to pay themselves

market wages or salaries for their efforts. They are nonetheless a very important part of the

culture and appeal of Revelstoke. They will however not all be able to withstand the fracturingof the hnite market that the addition of another retail node will undoubtedly cause.

-Another much larger retail node at RMR is already approved pursuant to the Master

Development Agreement and will be constructed as demand warrants. Revelstoke is inexorablydestined to grow south of Nicol Road and at a density much greater than that of the existing City-The existing supermarkets in Revelstoke are currently under utilized, especially Southside

Market, and were adequate to serve Revelstoke's needs when Revelstoke's population was

12,000 persons. Both have subsequently been expanded. If further GFA of supermarkets has

been warranted, Pattison has had ample opportunity to expand into adjoining spaces

-The Holy Grail of Revelstoke merchants for the 25 years I've been around has been to get the

tourists/travelers on the TransCanada Highway to stop in Revelstoke for more than one night.

RMR has solved the winter visitations. The summer and shoulder seasons remain a goal despite

some wonderful initiatives such as the Glacier Challenge and Grizzley Plaza entertainment. Veryfew travelers stay ovemight in grocery stores on purpose!-Steve Platt was the most professional developer Revelstoke has seen in the past25 years. Steve

had the subject land zoned for hotels because that is the highest and best use of the land from a

planning and commercial perspective. Basic planning calls for highway oriented uses to be on

the highways and pedestrian oriented retail to be in the core of any town.-Steve Platt gave up on Revelstoke due to the negativity of the Raven years. A number ofdevelopers, both local and imports, declined to attempt any development whatsoever until the

Raven years ended. The Raven years are gone and a positive attitude is inbued in the current

Council and throughout the City so with a little patience I expect that some appropriate projects

1

will be coming forward in the coming year.-The subject lands are uniquely situated between the TransCanada Highway and amajor railroadline within a very attractive city. The owners of the Rocky Mountaineer and I have a mutualfriend to whom they have expressed their preference to overnight in downtown Revelstoke,rather then the exurbs of Kamloops. They have identified two thresholds to moving toRevelstoke: the paucity of sufficient uniformly superior accommodation and frnalizing adefinitive agreement with the railroad for an appropriate siding at the subject property. I'mcertainly not the first or only person to realize the very significant economic benefit of aninfusion of well-heeled trail travclers Lluough l.he spring, summer and fall seasons. Steve Platthad a rudimentary massing/rendering study compiled on this very topic. Two years ago Stevegave me a copy should Council wish to see what the future could/should look like.-North America is littered with hundreds of small towns that fell for the allure of an increased taxbase and glitzier shopping outside of the retail core. Tragically, with the finite market divided,the econonrically tnarginal rctails in f.he core could no longer tread water, closed down and lefttown never to return. Then, the larger corporate operator on the fringe sometimes determined thatit's resources could better be deployed in a larger, growing market and also closed dou,n lea.,,ingthe towns with two week retail nodes. This pattern is so pervasive that a documentary film existsof case studies with, as I recall, the outlier usually being Walmart. Perhaps the film is availablefrom PBS.-I believe that the Greeley Adventure Park will ultimately attractthose elusive two night visitorsin the summer. Those visitors will require a varied option of hotel accommodations. The subjectlands are the best location for such accommodations considering the infrastructure within theCity and the lack of infrastructure at Greeley. Hopefully the City would plan for a pedestrianoriented corridor from the hotel node to the downtown retail core via the crossing at the RailwayMuseum.-The subject prooosal includes a liquor store. The current price of a liquor store license is$700,000 but more significant even if the proponent purchased a licence would be therequirement that the Best Western terminate its liquor store license. So unless the proponentshave made a deal with Brady and Fred I suspect that the proponents have not conducted propermarket research on this project.-Permitting the proposed uses on what should be hotel lands would be an irreversible gamble byCouncil with negligible upside-- a gamble which the city cannot afford to make because it cannotafford to lose.-Doing something for the sake of seeing something done seldom ends well.Thank you for your consideration.Robert PowadiukSent from my iPhone

Sent from my iPad

Sent from my iPad

2

Alpine Village Shopping Centre Ltd.555 Victoria Street, Suite 203

P.O. Box 256LRevelstoke, B.C. VOE 2S0

September 8, 2015

Mayor and CouncilCity of Revelstoke

Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment on the rezoning of the CD-9 area. lncontemplation of this letter we have solicited comments from our tenants and the Chamber ofCommerce which we have used in drafting this letter. The tenants and merchants have beenencouraged to provide their own independent comments, and we do not represent thoseindependent businesses in this submission.

The Alpine Village Mall is an independent family owned business with 16 tenants andsupporting infrastructure. The Cooper family have been an integral part of the businesscommunity in Revelstoke for over 60 years and are proud to carry forward our long termcommitment to the community in partnership with our tenants.

We encourage the city to address the rezoning request for CD-94 in the context of the OfficialCommunity Plan and the more recent lntegrated Sustainability Plan, as both clearly definecommunity values and a future vision of a healthy, safe and inviting community whichembraces environmental sustainability and responsible actions. The revitalization andenhancement of the downtown core not only attracts tourism and business traffic and is aproud focal point for the community, but also embraces the concepts of walkability and a lessautomobile reliant commercial core. The Alpine Mall has been proud to support this communityenhancement and is currently completing a cosmetic revitalization using the same designers asthe city to ensure that the mall is part of the community vision. We are concerned that theapproval of a strip mall zone outside of the core business area will detract from, and negate therevitalization and enhancernent work of the last 20 years. Regardless of the design work in CD-94, it will not and cannot duplicate the character and beauty of the downtown core, and willinevitably detract and discourage further development in the downtown core.

The proposed strip mall plans shown in support of the zoning change appear to duplicate theservices provided by the merchants and tenants of the Alpine Mall. ln many similar strip mallsthe business profile is often franchise operations, or smaller outlets for chain style merchantsrather than the locally owned and operated business community that prevails in the downtownbusiness core, and much of the Alpine Village Mall. We see the proposed strip mall as directcompetition for our tenants, and the downtown merchants and are concerned that this maydetract from the economic health, vitality and character of the core.

The development of a strip mall will precipitate a business decision that will provide short termencouragement to promote the success of the new strip mall. The longer term implications ofthis strategy will be a devaluation of property values in the downtown core, with predictabledecreases in property assessments which may NOT lead to decreased taxation as the city willbe providing at least the current level of services for a languishing downtown core. We havenoted in many communities where strip malls or large retail outlets have been developed thatthe downtown cores suffer and often become the focus of less desirable changes in businessprofiles and character.

We have looked at the existing OCP and ISP and current land use and zoning for the city inpreparation of our comments on this rezoning application. The current zoning and uses in CD-9

zone are in our opinion the best use of the lands. These properties are very valuable forhighway access and accommodations with world class views and opportunities, which would belost in a strip mall development. While we appreciate the pressures on local governments toallow unfettered development and encourage short term opportunities, we encourage you allto consider the long term wellbeing of the community with a longer term vision of the best landuse decisions available to you.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment. We understand that these comments will be readinto the records at the public hearing into this rezoning and that we are free to haverepresentation at the hearing as well.

Yours truly,

Wayn Cooper

Dawn Levesque

From:Sent:To:Subject:Attachments:

Mark Mckee < markmckee@telus.net>Thursday, September L7,20L5 9:26 AM

Dawn Levesque; Dean Strachan

Fwd: Attention Mark Mckeewinmail.dat; 4TT00001-.htm

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: "McKees" <lqgkgË@Iglug4gPI)ate: September 17,2015 at9'21:57 AM PDTTo: "'Mark Mckee"' <markmckee@telus.net>

Subject: FW: Attention Mark Mckee

From: fred lee [mailto:fred lee44@hotmail.com]Sent: September-16-15 9:55 AMTo: Mark MckeeSubject: Attention Mark Mckee

Good morning Mr Mayor,We are writing this letter in support of the proposed TCH development.This project can only do good things for our community, employment duringthe construction phaseand staffing the stores once open.

Move our community forward, approve this project.

RegardsFred & Penny Lee

I

D PO Box 46915, STN DVancouver, BC, V6J 5M4hallpacific.com

HALL PACIFIC

PROJECT RATIONALE

Date:Re:Prepared For:Prepared By:

September 21"t,2075Revelstoke Crossing DevelopmentMayor McKee & Members of CouncilHall Pacific

PROIECT OVERVIEW

Development Name:

Location:

Municipality:

Property:

Civic Address:

Site Size:

OCP Land Use:

Existing Zoning:

Development Program

Tenantsr

GBA:

Parking:

Site Plan

Revelstoke Crossing

Revelstoke, British Columbia

City of Revelstoke

See Legal Description,4 ppendix A

1750 Trans-Canada Hwy; 1702 Bend Road

Approximately 9.48 acres [412, 949 SFJ

Highway Commercial

CD-09

Highway Oriented Shopping Plaza

Grocery StoreDrug StoreLiquorFinancial (drive-through)RestaurantsCoffee [drive-through]Oil & LubeCRU

Approximately 63, 350 SF

307 spaces

See Appendix B

1

D PO Box 46915, STN DVancouver, BC, V6J 5M4hallpacifìc.com

HALL PACIFIC

PROJECT RATIONALE

PREAMBLE

The following project rationale employs fundamental elements found within the City of Revelstoke'sOfficial Community Plan to better understand the objectives of the proposed retail-development tobe located att750 Trans Canada Highway and1702 Bend Road. It also considers features from theRevelstoke Retail Strategy Report that lend support to this development and highlight immediate andìong term benefìts. Finally, this rationale attempts to align the project with municipal guidelines andgoals to ensure a positive integration into the community of Revelstoke.

OCP ELEMENTS

1. SITE CHOICE & EFFICIENT LAND USE

The proposed development would be located on the southern part of the highway corridor withprimary access to site off the Highway 1 / Highway 23 intersection. According to the City ofRevelstoke's OCP, the lands are designated for Highway Commercial and provide an opportunity toenhance a very prominent location in a manner this is representative of the fcrm and character cfthis alpine community and marketable to highway travelers. Moreover, this development couldprovide an excellent means of engaging travellers who currently pass through Revelstoke withoutstopping. Engagement could be achieved through information boards or pavilions that communicatetourist attractions and direct traffic to the central business district, Finally, as the site is bare landand fully serviced with both water and sewer, it allows for a new development of this scope to befinancially feasible from a land acquisition and construction standpoin! which could not be achievedin areas ofhigher density.

2. LOCALECONOMY

Direct Investment and Expanded Tax BaseRevelstoke Crossing is expected to contribute over $20 million to the locaì economy through thedevelopment process and increase the municipal property tax base by over $500,000 per year.

Capture Highway TrafficThe Retail Strategy Report indicates that between 3.8 to 5.2 million travelers pass throughRevelstoke on the Trans Canada Highway on an annual basis. These travelers have disposableincomes but are often not stopping in Revelstoke due to the inefficient access to amenities or becauseof the limited highway retail amenities currently offered. The Revelstoke Crossing developmentwould increase the percentage ofretail dollars captured by pass through travelers by providingconvenient access to a variety of shopping amenities. This strategy is in-line with one of the key goalsof Revelstoke's Official Community Plan, which is to expand retail and service capacity to meet theneeds ofvisitors.

2

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PROJECT RATIONALE

Reduction of sales "outflow"The Retail Report indicates that by 2016, sales "outflow" out of Revelstoke will be approximately$33.9 million. To counter this "outflow", the report recommends the following increase in retail floorspace:

. Over 30,000 sqfofnew convenience / services, including Food and Health & Personal Care

. Over 100,000 sqf of new food/beverage/entertainmenÇ including Entertainment Servicesand Restaurants & Cafes

Revelstoke Crossing will offer a variety of new retail and service options that will contribute toreducing this outflow and help keep millions of dollars in the Revelstoke market,

Immediate Employment OpportunitiesThe construction of this 63,000 square foot development will require around 200 personnel, Anapproximate breakdown of construction opportunities would be as follows:

. Excavation 15 people

. Forming 20-40 people

. Framing 30-50 people

. Paving 20-40 people

. Electrical 5 people

. Plumbing 5 people

. Roofing 5 people

. Masonry 5 people

. Cladding 5 people

. Landscapers 20 people

. Offsite/Serving 20-30 people

Long-term Employment OpportunitiesThe development is expected to create over 200 new permanent jobs for the community. Anapproximate breakdown of employment opportunities based on intended uses would be as follows:

. Grocery 40-45 employees

. Financial 12-15 employees

. Liquor I -10 employees

. Drug 20 -25 employees

. Restaurant 45-50 employees

. Restaurant 30-40 employees

. Restaurant 20-25 employees

. Oil & Lube 12-15 employees

. CRUs 25-30

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PROJECT RATIONALE

3. COMMUNITY

Today, residents of Revelstoke are paying some of the highest prices on consumer goods in BritishColumbia and based on The Revelstoke Retail Strategy Report there is a strong indication thatresicients ciesire more competitive retaiì pricing anci improved quaiity of goods within thecommunity. The Revelstoke Crossing development is targeting national level tenants, which willbring both competitive pricing and a high standard of quality for local residents to benefit from.

The OCP indicates thatwith stagnant Forest and Rail Transportation sectors expected over the nextdecade, Revelstoke will iucleasingly reÌy on tourism as the rnajol econouric and populatiou driver. Iuorder to ensure this growth in tourism is achieved, the City should allow for new retail opportunitiesthat embrace large visitor and tourism-based markets. A huge opportunity exists with thedevelopment of Revelstoke Crossing to create a synergistic interaction with the rest ol the businesscommunity to draw in new visitors. Marketing mechanisms can be integrated on to the site toprovide exposure to tourist activities with the intent of extending the length of visits and theexpenditures per visit.

4, BUILDINGFORMAND CHARACTER

The proposal is to build a highway oriented shopping plaza with a variety of commercial tenants. Thedesign will be a mix of traditional and contemporary, with each tenant space having its own uniquefaçade and character. The design will incorporate quality materials such as; cultured stone, acrylicstucco, cement fiber siding, coloured metal roofing, and timberframe wood elements. The colours willbe varied on each space, but they will all draw from a common colour scheme to unify the uniquespaces. The colours and tones used are mainìy earth tones and blue tones to relate to the tones ofRevelstoke's Forests, Mountains, and the Columbia River. Accents of white and deep red wilÌ contrastthe cool tones and relate to Revelstoke's heritage buildings and vibrant community, Metal roofing,stone details, timberframe gables and columns, and a few shed roofs will add a rustic aesthetic thatpays homage to Revelstoke's growing winter tourist attractions. The mix of styles complementsDowntown Revelstoke's unique collection of modern and heritage buildings and will reinforceRevelstoke's identity.

TIMETINE

Zoning AmendmentDevelopment PermitBuilding PermitConstructionOpening

fuly 2015 - December 2016

January 2016February 2016April2016 -lune2OL7luly 2077

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PROJECT RATIONALE

SUMMARY

The Revelstoke Crossing development stands to provide substantial economic benefit to the City ofRevelstoke by complying with objectives found within the Official Community Plan and putting intoaction recommendations laid out in the Retail Strategy Report. To recap the benefits associated withthis project:

. Strategic location will allow the capture of existing pass through traffic and millions ofdollars of additional revenue

. $20+ million direct investment with a $500,000 increase in the municipal tax base

. A reduction in the millions of dollars that currently "outflow" out of Revelstoke

. Over 200 immediate and long-term job opportunities created

. Strengthening of the Revelstoke community as a whole by enlarging the town's retail tradearea and allowing existing businesses to capitalize on the increased volume of visitor traffic

The cumulative benefits derived from this development will assist Revelstoke in reaching its fullpotential as a mountain resort community and elevate its position within the very competitive alpineresort industry.

Any questions regarding this project rationale can be directed towards Michael Spaull, DevelopmentManager - Hall Pacific at mike@hallpacific.com or 778-960-4878. We look forward to continueddiscussions at the Public Hearing scheduled for September 29th at 3pm.

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PROJECT RATIONALE

APPENDIX

APPENDIX "A"

Legal Description of Property

1. 1750 Trans-Canada Hwy

Parcel Identifier: 015-9 43-L9 4Parcel A (See 350971) of Parcel 3 (See Plan F-SJ of Section 34Township 23Range 2 West of the 6th MeridianKootenay DistrictExcept (1J That Part Included in Plan R257 and (21 Plans 4624 andNEP72429

2 1702 Bend Road

Parcel Identifier: 0 13-066-145Lot ASection 34Township 23Range 2 West of the 6th MeridianKootenay DistrictPlan 4624Except Part Included in Plan 8437

6

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PROJECT RATIONALE

APPENDIX ''B''

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From: noreplv@civicplus.comCity of Revelstoke website Contact Us

Date: September 23, 2015 at 6:18:53 AM PDT

To: <amason @cityofrevelstoke.com>Subject: Online Form Submittal: Contact Us

Contact Us

Your Name Nick Thomas

Email Address nicktinbc@telus.net

How Would You Prefer To Be Contacted: By Email

Which Department Do You Wish to Contact? Economic Development

Please indicate how we can be of assistance to you.

One thing I predict about the Revelstoke Crossing development is that it will completely jam up when

there is a highway closure. Many delayed drivers want to park as close to the highway as possible. So

like the parking around Mcdonalds and the Shell they will fill up the parking at Revelstoke Crossing.

Good luck any locals who need to do any shopping there until the highway reopens - it isn't accessible

without a car, especially in winter. Downtown you can always find somewhere to park.

Dawn Levesque

From:Sent:To:Subject:

Richard Tucker < rtucker@sw1O.ca >

Wednesday, September 23,2015 6:41 AMadminRevelstoke Crossing Shopping Centre

I am fully in support of the Revelstoke Crossing Shopping Centre.

The proposed development is on the highway and will have little direct impact on the City environment. The shoppingcentre will mainly serve highway traffic passing by Revelstoke.

I understand the downtown merchants are concerned about potential lost business. I have been in development forover 40 years and the reality is that most Hwy 1 through traffic does not take the time to get off the highway and comeinto the downtown area. While there may be some lost business in the downtown, this will be more than offset by theincreased revenues, jobs and taxes that will accrue to Revelstoke from tourists passing by on Hwy 1 and who wouldnever take the time to come into the downtown in any case.

Travelers who want to check out Revelstoke's great downtown will come into town regardless of a shopping centre onHwy L. Those who are passing by are looking for a quick and convenient stop and willjust continue on with their travelswithout better shops and services on the Highway. I do not see it as win lose but rather capturing more opportunitiesfor Revelstoke that would otherwise be lost without this development.

Are we willing to create opportunities, jobs and tax revenues for our residents or are we going to push away all change?

1

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sEP 2 { 20t5Glen O'ReillyBox 1 424,Revelstoke BCVOE 2SO

September 22,2O15

Attn: Mayor Mark McKee and Members of Council,

I realize that the question before Council is in regards to re-zoning the property at1750 TCH & 1702 Bend Rd, and not whether to allow a highway development on thissite. However it is difficult to have one conversation without having the other.

I will start by stating that I am oooosed to the re-zoning of the properties to allowfor the use of "grocery, pharmacy and health & wellness". With that said, I am notopposed to highway developments, l'm opposed to this pafticular development onthis pafticular site.

This debate goes beyond just a strip mall on the highway. This debate hasbrought us to the juncture where we, as a City, need to start asking ourselves what weare and where we want to be in 25 years. I keep hearing the term "Resort Town"being tossed around, that we are a resort town. No we're not, not yet. However wecan be... with foresight and the right planning.

, We need to look at this site and realize what it has to otfer. Given its proximity tothe highway and the railway line, and the fact that it is perched between the two,make it a unique piece of property. Mr. Platt had a vision for this property and his

original proposal of a hotel and a siding for the Rocky Mountaineer was a perfect fit forthis site. However, to waste this opportunity on a generic strip mall that can be placedanywhere along the highway would be irresponsible. Now I realize that when I sayRocky Mountaineer your eyes are rolling back in your heads, and that you feel youhave addressed this option. However it is my understanding that the major holdbackto this scenario is a lack of accommodations (beds) that represent the standard thatthe Rocky Mountaineer maintains for their passengers. The goal then, is to find theright hotel chain that can meet these standards. Because, in the long run, havingguests of the Rocky Mountaineer walking and taking shuttles into downtown will do farmore for the local businesses that rely on tourism than a strip mall on the highwayever will. Now l'm not naive, I realize what is involved in this type of project and what isrequired to bring these types of players together. Yes it will take etfort, yes, it will taketime and yes, this is what is required if we are going to be a Resort destination.

\

With regards to highway development, highway development is inevitable, it isgoing to happen. The question is, what kind of development do we want, where dowe want to put it ancj how do we want it to iook? Do we want homogenized strip mallswith corporate architecture, so we will resemble the entrance to every town betweent\./loncton and Nlerritt? fþe s¡sr.n,er requires a balanced approach. UnfortunatelyRevelstoke is at a population density that does not warrant too many duplicateservices. By adding certain retail businesses on the highway you will be detractingfrom businesses downtown. ln simple terms, for a town this size to have two businesshubs is counterprocjuctive. Revelstoke ooes not need more retatt space on thehighway, we have retail space and properly in town that can fill this need. The strategythen, would be to determine what businesses would accentuate and benefit the town,go out and find them, and then sell them on befits of having a business in Revelstoke.

Duplicating businesses and services on the highway will not benefit thecommunity, it will only keep tourist from venturing downtown. lf tourists are able toconveniently pull off the highway to load up their RV's and trailers with groceries,liquor, bug spray and sunscreen, and then head on their merry way, then there will beno reason for them to come into the town centre. With regards to the argument thathas been used, "tha|So/o of the tratfic from the highway development will be drawninto town" doesn't hold water. The reality is that the majority of RV's and trailers thatwe currently see lining Victoria Ave. in the summer will be up at the highway shopping¡an*ra O^ '",^'ll L-^ ^^+;^^ A^^l- ^^1, ' EO/ ^¡ +h^ r-^g:^ rL^¡ .-.^ l^^! I !^^,¡ .-l^-^r^.-^lw(rt llt e. \J\J vv(r il Lr(' sJvtur 19 r..,r¿au^ ut ily iJTo \Jt u te u ailtu Lt tal vvg t(JÞ|.. I u(Jt I L ul tqgtliLat luwhy so many organizaTions and agencies go to such effort and cost to promote"Historic Downtown Revelstoke" and then we give tourists every reason not to comedowntown.

As I have stated already, you don't want to duplicate (and thus dissipate) whatservices we have. What we need is to add businesses and services that, 1) fit a need,and 2) fit the location (highway). For example, r.¡¿e don't harye a General N/lotorsdealership or any dealership other than Ford. We don't have a snowmobile dealer, yetwe are a sleder's paradise, and we don't have a boat/marine dealership/storage, yetLake Revelstoke is directly up Hwy 23 N. And yes... we need a hotel for the guests ofthe Rocky Mountaineer. lt is larger highway access businesses such as these that weshould be seeking out and actively attracting, not more retail services.

You will notice I'm using proactive comments such as "seeking out and activelyattracting" and a "strategy" to "determine what businesses would accentuate the townand then go out and find them". As well as terms like "generic highway development"and "homogenized strip mall". That is because without the first you will be stuck withthe second. lf we are ever going to be a Resort destination and not just a tourist town(or as some call us, a town with tourists) then we have to plan in that direction, andwith regards to urban planning, this is something we currently do not do.

2

Proper urban planning and bylaws directed towards building and architecturalthemes create Resort towns. What we currently have are developers coming to ussaying they want to build pro.lect 'A' on lot 'B', and we say yes or no. This is not townplanning, this is planning by default. We need to determine the best uses for thesesites and then seek out the best companies or developers to bring it all together. Weneed to go to them, instead of waiting for someone to come to us. We haveopportunities that other communities would love to have, we just have to make surewe use them wisely and don't squander them. Development for development sake isdefault planning, and as the best little City in Canada we owe it to ourselves to dobetter than default planning.

ln closing, as with the revitalizaTion project for the downtown, creating a Resorttown takes vision and commitment. lt will require bringing community members andCity statf together to work towards that vision. lt will require individuals and a team tosell that vision to potential businesses and developers, and yes it will take time. I'msure you'll agree, it will be time well spent.

Thank you for your time in this matter and I trust you will do what is in the bestinterest of Revelstoke.

Glen O'Reilly

3

1

Subject: Support for additional uses Platt property TCH

‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐ From: Rem [mailto:melnyk811@gmail.com]  Sent: Friday, September 25, 2015 12:30 PM To: admin Subject: Support for additional uses Platt property TCH 

Please accept this email as support for the additional uses for the above mentioned property. It is not the Citys' role to play mother to the business community , but to provide a level playing field for all.Success is dependant on the abilities of the owner not on restrictive zoning. Thanks Bob Melnyk 

Created by Tree Talker 

David  Lafreniere  Owner  Peoples  Drug  Mart  #110  PO  Box  3000  Revelstoke,  BC  V0E  2S0    September  25,  2015    RE:  Proposed  TransCanada  Highway  Development,  Revelstoke      Dear  Council  City  of  Revelstoke:    I  would  like  to  thank  the  city  for  reading  and  considering  public  input  on  this  important  issue  before  us.  I  wanted  to  take  the  opportunity  to  formally  write  and  address  the  bylaw  amendment.      Rezoning  the  proposed  site  to  allow  both  a  grocery  and  a  pharmacy  is  a  huge  mistake  for  our  community  and  I  strongly  oppose  this  amendment.  Doing  so  is  a  duplication  of  existing  services  that  is  unnecessary.  Pharmacies  and  grocery  stores  serve  as  commercial  anchors  tha  attract  other  businesses  and  customers.  By  allowing  this  amendment  to  the  development,  as  proposed,  we  are  removing  reasons  for  people  to  come  into  town  and  robbing  our  downtown  core  small  businesses  of  the  opportunity  to  market  to  these  potential  customers.  We  will  also  be  destabilizing  the  business  core  by  splitting  the  finite  customer  base  in  Revelstoke.  This  will  in  turn  hurt  the  economic  viability  of  the  duplicated  and  locally  owned  retailers.  It  is  also  well  known  that  we  have  existing  issues  attracting  people  to  the  downtown  core  from  the  highway  and  positioning  anchor  businesses  on  the  highway  will  ensure  that  our  core  will  suffer  losses  to  the  inroads  we  have  made.    Given  the  scale  of  this  development  it  is  unlikely  that  these  businesses  will  be  a  part  of  our  overall  business  community  as  they  will  most  likely  be  large  corporate  franchises  with  their  own  national  marketing  and  advertising  plans.    Also  given  the  duplication  of  services  that  is  proposed  there  is  almost  certainly  an  “us  versus  them”  mentality  that  will  take  hold  amongst  the  downtown  core  and  the  highway  strip  mall.    We  are  also  talking  about  the  splitting  of  an  already  shrinking  pie  particularly  in  pharmacy  given  the  current  population  is  not  growing  and  in  the  last  15  years  has  contracted.  The  only  way  to  support  an  additional  63,000  sq  ft  of  retail  space  during  the  off  seasons  is  to  bleed  off  dollars  being  spent  in  the  downtown  core.  In  order  to  do  so  it  is  not  an  uncommon  practice  for  large  corporate  retailers  to  use  predatory  pricing  and  operating  at  losses  to  “break”  into  new  markets.  These  practices  literally  put  smaller  retailers  out  of  business,  as  most  small  retailers  cannot  operate  at  losses  for  any  appreciable  amount  of  time.      Recently  there  have  been  comments  made  in  the  Revelstoke  Times  Review  that  even  if  the  development  increases  downtown  traffic  by  1  %  it’s  worth  doing.  This  makes  

the  false  assumption  that  the  strip  mall  will  not  decrease  the  traffic  into  the  town  and  could  only  increase  it.  Hall  Pacific  contends  “The  Revelstoke  Crossing  development  would  increase  the  percentage  of  retail  dollars  captured  by  pass  through  travellers  by  providing  convenient  access  to  a  variety  of  shopping  amenities.  This  strategy  is  in-­‐line  with  one  of  the  key  goals  of  Revelstoke’s  Official  Community  Plan,  which  is  to  expand  retail  and  service  capacity  to  meet  the  needs  of  visitors.”  This  would  seem  good  if  you  actually  consider  someone  stopping  on  the  outskirts  of  town  a  visitor.  Is  everyone  that  currently  stops  at  the  Shell  on  the  highway  for  gas  a  visitor  to  Revelstoke?  Capturing  additional  dollars  from  flow  through  traffic  by  the  corporate  franchises  and  diversion  of  dollars  from  the  downtown  core  will  only  benefit  the  developers  and  these  national  entities.  Profit  from  these  operations  will  not  be  local.  Reinvestment  in  the  core  community  is  very  unlikely  as  there  is  no  economic  upside  for  the  highway  development  to  have  a  thriving  community  core  especially  when  the  strip  mall  will  be  a  duplication  of  many  downtown  core  services.      Hall  pacific  also  contends  that  a  benefit  of  this  development  will  be  a    “Strengthening  of  the  Revelstoke  community  as  a  whole  by  enlarging  the  town’s  retail  trade  area  and  allowing  existing  businesses  to  capitalize  on  the  increased  volume  of  visitor  traffic."  Again  the  only  businesses  that  will  be  capitalizing  on  this  development  will  be  the  ones  on  the  highway  as  there  will  remove  all  reason  for  the  convenience  stops  which  are  by  far  the  greatest  number  to  come  into  town.  It  is  literally  not  in  the  developments  best  interest  to  drive  traffic  to  their  locally  owned  small  business  downtown  core  competitors.  I  can  say  with  honestly  I  will  not  be  directing  traffic  from  the  downtown  to  the  highway  development,  as  it  is  not  in  my  best  interest  to  do  so.  It  is  naive  to  believe  that  this  development  is  for  the  good  of  the  town  and  not  about  the  profit  of  the  developers  and  the  corporate  retail  tenants  they  will  house.    The  only  real  benefit  that  this  development  will  bring  is  an  increase  in  the  tax  base  for  the  City  of  Revelstoke  and  a  number  of  minimum  wage  jobs  to  support  our  seasonal  ski  visitors.  Is  this  worth  the  economic  viability  of  existing  small  retailers  in  our  downtown  core?  We  will  also  be  giving  up  the  ideal  location  for  another  hotel,  which  has  no  negative  impact  on  our  existing  downtown  core  and  would  provide  the  same  benefits  as  this  development  with  none  of  the  drawbacks.      Having  been  born  and  raised  in  Revelstoke  I  believe  in  our  community  and  I  have  done  just  what  is  always  been  encouraged.  I  have  invested  my  families’  future  in  our  town.  It  was  my  hope  that  buying  my  pharmacy  would  ensure  my  new  family  would  able  to  be  raised  in  Revelstoke  as  well  as  help  to  maintain  our  core  by  preventing  a  large  pharmacy  chain,  Rexall,  from  purchasing  my  pharmacy.  There  is  good  reason  that  an  independent  individual  has  never  opened  a  third  pharmacy  in  Revelstoke.  A  regular  individual  could  not  afford  to  operate  a  third  pharmacy  with  this  small  a  customer  base.  Only  a  large  national  chain  could  move  in  and  be  prepared  to  lose  money  for  several  years  through  predatory  pricing  in  order  to  break  into  and  secure  a  market  as  limited  as  Revelstoke.    

I  think  the  real  question  before  us  is  why  do  we  want  duplicate  existing  downtown  core  to  the  highway  with  another  generic  strip  mall.  This  is  a  strategy  that  has  been  detrimental  to  many  small  communities  across  BC  that  have  tried  experiments  like  this.    I  know  that  I  am  not  alone  in  saying  I  have  never  been  into  Merritt  or  Golden  as  everything  is  located  on  the  highway.  It  would  seem  foolhardy  to  believe  that  the  highway  development  will  support  driving  traffic  into  Revelstoke  and  the  downtown  core  as  this  is  in  direct  opposition  of  their  own  interests.  Their  business  model  will  be  based  on  swallowing  all  the  highway  traffic  and  attracting  local  dollars  out  to  support  this  massive  retail  space  and  the  costs  associated  with  it.  Development  for  the  sake  of  development  is  not  progress.  If  there  really  is  the  need  for  this  much  additional  retail  space  as  the  developer  claims  than  it  should  be  able  to  stand  without  duplicating  existing  downtown  core  retailers  and  in  particular  pharmacy  which  is  extremely  population  sensitive.      Thank  you  for  your  time  and  consideration.    Sincerely,    David  Lafreniere  Owner  Peoples  Drug  Mart        

1

Subject: Comments re new shopping centre

From: Mark Gunner [mailto:mg@northof60group.com] Sent: Sunday, September 27, 2015 7:02 PM To: admin Subject: Comments re new shopping centre

Hello Revelstoke Council, 

We moved to Revelstoke in 2011 from Ontario.  Our first stop in Revelstoke was in 1983 when we drove from Vancouver to Banff and back.  We stopped at the restaurant on the highway ... The Frontier.  We did not venture into town. Our next visit was in 2008 and again in 2009 when we skied the new resort.  On both of those trips, we commented on what a great downtown Revelstoke had.  We had often spoke of living in the mountains and made the decision in late 2009 to move to Revelstoke.  Our decision was based largely on the excellent skiing, but also on the town itself.  Good skiing can also be found at places like Kicking Horse and Fernie, but neither of those places gave us the great small town feeling that Revelstoke provides.  Our initial feelings have been confirmed and we have no regrets with our decision to move here. 

We still maintain a cottage in Ontario and drive 4,000 km across the country twice each year.  4,000 kilometres takes us through many small towns in Canada and I can tell you, that when we are driving the Trans Canada highway, if a town is good enough to put a shopping centre out at the highway, we do not waste time heading into downtown.   

Renfrew is a small town about an hour away from our cottage in Ontario.  It has a population of 8,200.  A few years ago, Walmart and a few other large box stores opened up near the highway.  If we are shopping for something when we drive past Renfrew, we would not think of heading downtown.  It is so much more convenient to shop out near the highway. 

We both feel that a ‘shopping centre’ out at the highway will be detrimental to business in downtown Revelstoke and would eventually change the town for the worst.  Many of our shopping trips to Coopers or Pharmasave prompt us to walk around town to see what is new in the stores.  People will not be within walking distance of downtown if they are shopping out at the highway and may not make any other stops in town. 

We realize that this council campaigned on being more ‘pro‐development’, but we hope that you will not be approving this project just to prove your ‘pro‐development’ attitude. 

Regards, 

Mark and Virginia Gunner 250‐837‐6512 Ontario until Oct 12 – 613‐756‐1061 

1

Subject: Proposed highway development

From: karen s [mailto:brokenspoke70@hotmail.com] Sent: Monday, September 28, 2015 11:54 AM To: admin Subject: Proposed highway development

As I am unable to attend the council meeting today wherein the proposed highway development will be discussed, I would like to voice my lack of support for this proposed development. As a long term resident of Revelstoke, with a passionate interest in how we develop economically, environmentally, and especially, socially, I feel this development proposal is a terrible fit for the town and for our projected community vision. Have we not seen this same idea play out enough times across small and mid‐sized towns across Canada to KNOW what the results will be? Thinking of Vernon, and Salmon Arm with it's recent Walmart addition‐‐ I would love to see Council undertake a survey of out‐of‐town shoppers ‐‐ and there are many in Revelstoke, as we know‐‐ to ask them a)how often they stop in the town centres of the places they drive to to access big box/strip mall chain stores b) how much money they spend in locally owned and operated business in those locations c) how many locally owned and operated business they visit in the course of their stops at chain store‐type shopping developments and d) what activities, and how frequently do they engage in them, besides shopping in the chain and big‐box stores, in the towns they travel to for shopping. A survey such at this might help open some eyes that when big box/strip mall/chain stores are added to the outskirts or edges of towns like Revelstoke, the inevitable result is economic stagnation for local small businesses, where people might have gone in the absence of the big box/strip mall stores.  

I feel that such developments may open the door to an inevitable string of big box/chain businesses that will turn Revelstoke into nothing more than a pit‐stop  to grab something convenient, and continue down the highway. This awful image of the future Revelstoke makes me shudder at the loss of character and beauty and vitality in the downtown core that it implies. And with apologies for my bluntness, the idea that placing nice photos and videos and a tourism booth of what Revelstoke *really* has to offer in the proposed strip mall might mitigate the negative impacts of keeping tourist traffic on the highway, and draw people in to town, is absolutely laughable. It's throwing concerned residents and business owners a bone, and nothing more. I know we all want more affordable groceries and general consumer goods, but I don't believe this is the way to go about it. I would argue that with Mountain Goodness, and a proposed new bulk‐type store in the works( both locally owned and operated) we are headed in the direction of more affordable food costs, already. More of these small businesses challenging the current grocery stores pricing policies will eventually force them to re‐calibrate their prices.We need to get creative and educate and/or pressure existing grocery and gas suppliers to play a less greedy role in the local economy, not try to price them out by building strip malls that will only end up closing down existing businesses beyond just the current grocery stores etc, and leave our downtown anything but revitalized.  Please...in considering this proposal, let's get out of thinking in a box, especially a big, ugly conglomeration of boxes called a strip mall, and find a more creative, progressive solution to building a sustainable economy that fits the character of Revelstoke and supports a local thriving economy. We really don't need to travel the same stagnant, bland road that so many small towns across Canada have gone down, many of which are stuck in a futile attempt to draw people, businesses,  and consumers back into the downtown core. Respectfully,  Karen Schneidwer 

1

Subject: Proposed Shopping Centre Development

From: Janis Borden [mailto:janisborden@yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, September 28, 2015 11:56 AM To: admin Subject: Proposed Shopping Centre Development

I going to be unable to attend the public hearing tomorrow for the proposed shopping centre development; however, I would like to comment that I am completely in favor of this development. I feel the added jobs and tax benefits to the city far outweigh any negatives surrounding this development. We desperately need competition in this town; our grocery prices alone are forcing shoppers out of town. Sometimes we need to accept change and allow growth to happen.

Best regards,

Janis Borden

September 22, 2015 City of Revelstoke Councilors Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce Re: Bylaw amendment for retail development on Trans Canada Highway Revelstoke is a beautiful and unique city that is different from anywhere else on the planet. Why does everyone LOVE It here? Because we are surrounded by Beauty! We have a vibrant downtown and distinct neighbourhoods with residents that know we won the lottery when it comes to places to live. People love coming here because it has a downtown and neighbourhoods that are evolving and drawing people to them; a good example is the inner-city triangle of Woolsey Creek, Alpine Village, Ray's butcher shop, La Baguette, and Le Marche. We are not in support of the bylaw amendment for the strip mall. Adding duplicate retail businesses on the highway after more than 25 years and millions of dollars trying to draw people into Revelstoke’s Downtown is counter-productive. Why would we water down our brand in that manner? We should spend our money making it easier for people to get to Downtown instead of making it easy for them to stay away. We should also continue to focus on enhancing Revelstoke for the living enjoyment of the residents, businesses and visitors. Our downtown connects our unique neighbourhoods and our community. When we started the Modern in 2005, 5 retail spaces were empty on our block alone. It took some time to fill those spaces, and we remember hearing that there was no reason to come downtown anymore. We need all of our businesses to thrive and survive, but especially, we need our downtown to be vibrant with all kinds of things, not just business. Empty storefronts are not good for town morale. Change is good, but having a strip mall on the highway is not a positive change for Revelstoke. Diversity and competition is healthy for the business environment, and there are many empty buildings and vacant lots available for additional businesses that want to come downtown. Is there anything about the Golden strip that entices travellers downtown? What about having a Starbucks on the highway is going to draw visitors into Revelstoke?

Chipping away at the small margins that small Business Owners already operate under may make the difference between keeping the business alive and thriving, and generating enough income to make it all worth it versus reducing hours, product, presence, or ultimately closing the doors or selling. We are so lucky to have the diversity of quality businesses that are run by committed and energetic owners. We recognize that Revelstoke needs to be open for business, and generating more jobs and tax base for the city is necessary, however, we believe that continuing the vision of a vibrant and sustainable Revelstoke far outweighs the possible benefits of a strip mall on the highway. Running a business in Revelstoke is amazing, but adding to the challenges of staffing, training, slow seasons and weather by adding duplicate businesses on the highway feels like a let down for everyone who has invested time and money and their lives making Revelstoke great. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Josee and Kevan The Modern Bakeshop & Cafe

  September  29,  2015    

Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce www.revelstokechamber.com

301 W Victoria Road executive@revelstokechamber.com 250.837.5345  

Report to Council Highway Bylaw Amendment Background The Chamber invited its members, over a period of 6 weeks, to weekly meetings to discuss the requested bylaw amendment to include grocery, pharmacy and health & wellness to the current zoning of the proposed property, and to complete a short survey. We had approximately 50 members attend the sessions and provide input and comments, and 36 survey responses. Our board and staff strive to fairly represent the values and opinions of membership. Current Highway Commercial – C4 zoning is defined as: This District provides for the orderly development of accommodation for transient motorists in proper relationship to thoroughfares and surrounding areas. Uses Permitted motels, motor hotels and hotels; Cafes, Coffee shops and restaurants (including drive ins restaurants; Car washing establishments, Gasoline service stations Public and private facilities designed to promote the public interest and distribute information about the community, including the retail sale of souvenirs and items of interest to the travelling public; Local convenience stores. The gross floor area of individual retail stores shall not exceed 250 square meters (2691 sq.ft.); Public transportation depots; Fruit stands, Campgrounds; One (1) dwelling unit for the use of the owner, operator or caretaker. There is a majority, approximately 70%, that are of the opinion the current property zoning is reflective of other highway commercial properties (C4) and that the use should continue to restrict new development to “accommodation for transient motorists to what meets the basic needs of the traveling public”. This largely represents the view that broadening the zoning to include grocery and pharmacy anchor stores will draw away from the City Core. Overview

1. There is a majority opinion to keep the existing bylaws in order to continue to build on, and attract highway traffic to our vibrant, historic downtown.

2. However, there is a strong sentiment to grow Revelstoke through new development, increase the commercial property tax base and be “open for business”, without constraints.

Key Re-Zoning Opposition Comments*

Ø Grocery and pharmacy are community anchors and are essential to a vibrant downtown; they are not highway commercial related.

Ø Why would this property get a preferential zoning over the current properties in a C4 zoning?.

Ø Acceptance of this development simply for the sake of development is not

  September  29,  2015    

Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce www.revelstokechamber.com

301 W Victoria Road executive@revelstokechamber.com 250.837.5345  

necessarily beneficial to Revelstoke and would be counter to the objective outlined in the ISCP of a “vibrant downtown”*.

Ø Currently, in the peak seasons, we do not have enough hotel rooms*. Key Re-Zoning Advantages*

Ø New commercial property tax revenue. (Estimated by Revelstoke Crossing Development to be $500K/year)

Ø New local jobs, trades and retail. Ø “Let's create a renewed message that Revelstoke is Open for Business!” Ø Incremental business from highway traffic, to mall tenants, that may not

have otherwise stopped. What will the effect be to the downtown core? Depending on the downtown business, it is estimated that a 15 – 30% loss of revenue can be expected. This is cited as traffic off the highway, much of which is same-day visitors that are looking for alternatives to fast food and require goods and services not currently available through the C4 zoning. Depending on the business sector, short term, predatory pricing was a big concern. The majority of business owners were extremely concerned about their future livelihood. What is the long-term goal of our community? Tourism is fast becoming a key industry and we are a boutique community, referred to as “an authentic mountain town”. Many young entrepreneurs and families have relocated to Revelstoke because of the growth in tourism and the entrepreneurial opportunities brought by a high traffic tourism centre. Model towns like Banff are successful - they have an abundance of accommodation and no big box stores. In closing, the following, combined comments from leaders in our community reflects the overall consensus throughout the consultation process: “I am supportive of new development and (as a community) we cannot always dictate details. In this case we can control macros. The current C4 zoning is applicable to all other lots on the highway, and may well have been put into place many years ago to maintain the anchor businesses of a community and the downtown core. Revelstoke is at a population density that does not warrant too many duplicate services. A strategy to consider might be to determine what businesses would accentuate the town and then go out and find them. This is a tough decision and council must think hard about what is best for our community •See addtitional key comments in Appendix A

  September  29,  2015    

Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce www.revelstokechamber.com

301 W Victoria Road executive@revelstokechamber.com 250.837.5345  

Appendix A Other Key Concerns Retail Space Capacity and Staffing

Ø 60,000 sq’ of new, duplicate, retail space is excessive. Ø Retailers are challenged in recruiting and retaining a local workforce due

to an abundance of low-end jobs and limited availability of local affordable housing and rental options.

Excerpt from a member letter to chamber and council: “We are not in support of the bylaw amendment for the strip mall. Adding duplicate retail businesses on the highway after more than 25 years and millions of dollars trying to draw people into Revelstoke’s Downtown is counter-productive.”

Ø We need our downtown to be vibrant with all kinds of things, not just business. “

Ø Currently there is empty retail space downtown. Additional vacancies would not leave us “in good shape”.

Ø “What will be travellers first exposure? Will we be the same as the last stop?”

Ø We are a “cool town”. I am Pro development, but lets not let this be a run away. It's ok to say no.

Ø This is the wrong project and we should develop Arrow Heights and increase the population first.

Ø We will lose RV traffic to the mall and will see less tourists downtown. Ø New businesses want to sell their products and will not refer anyone to

downtown. Ø We have a problem at the intersection - why would we accentuate it? Ø This is not town planning, this is planning by default. We need to

determine the best uses for these sites and seek out the best companies or developers to put it together.

Ø We are the moral compass of this community - this is not right project, or the right size for our population, at this time.”

Ø What are the other options for new hotels?* Ø RMR has property for hotels. We need to respect that the master resort

plan is to build more rooms.” Ø More hotel rooms will bring more overnight stays and revenue to the

community as a whole. *Chamber Note: Hotels are roughly estimated at a current 62- 70% annual occupancy rate. A standard in the hotel industry is to look at adding inventory when occupancy gets close to the 70% level, depending on the seasonality of the market. There are several sites currently zoned for hotels within the city including; RMR, downtown (behind city hall), a remaining 2.2 acres at proposed property, and in and around the current hotels North of highway #1 & Laforme.

  September  29,  2015    

Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce www.revelstokechamber.com

301 W Victoria Road executive@revelstokechamber.com 250.837.5345  

Excerpt from the ISCP, 2012 document: Compact & Connected Community “Integrating strategy - Maintain a compact community, defined by a vibrant downtown and mixed use neighbourhoods, supporting diverse mobility choices including safe, convenient and active options for all residents.” “78% of local residents indicated in a retail survey in 2006 that they shop out of town once per month or more. Reasons given were: items not available in town, price, selection, and part of a trip away.” Key Oppositions - Zoning Specific Comments

Ø The current owner had the property zoned for Hotel, prior to that it was Highways. Re-zoning should reflect the current zoning of the area.

Ø The demographic shift brought on by the Resort has eroded the heavy pharmacy users to retirement in the Okanagan and migrated out of town. New demographics are not the bread and butter pharmacy customers and there is now a strong reliance on foot traffic. It is estimated that 15 – 30 % of the current traffic is same day highway visitors.

Ø Some large chain pharmacies will plan to operate at a loss in new markets for up to 10 years!

Ø It is a myth that a new large grocery store will shift pricing Ø More business is good but not at the expense of our local independent

operators. Ø (I am) Not against new development, however, grocery and pharmacy are

“town” anchors as well. Malls only have one of each because they know that there is not enough business for more than one.

Ø Do we know of other communities that have said no? Chamber Note: It is difficult to compare with other communities as Revelstoke does not have a “catchment” area. Several members made reference to the 2008 highway mall development in Squamish. I spoke with the Executive Director of the Squamish chamber and was advised that recently one of the key businesses that left downtown in 2008, for tenancy in the highway mall, has returned to downtown citing high per square footage cost. My colleague in Squamish noted that council needs to consider “smart growth” that will work for the community as a whole Other Key Advantage Comments

Ø Expand the presence of Revelstoke on the highway. Ø Increase local retail services and employment opportunities Ø Why are we concerned about protecting downtown and not other areas,

such as the Industrial park and highway 23? Ø Competition makes small business thrive. Ø We do not have the right to stop development. Ø If we continue to say no to potential developers, they will not consider

  September  29,  2015    

Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce www.revelstokechamber.com

301 W Victoria Road executive@revelstokechamber.com 250.837.5345  

Revelstoke as an option in the future. Ø We need to be conscious of our reputation as a community to large

developers and opportunities. Ø We need more critical mass to keep people in town. Ø Are we afraid of the unknown or do we want to grow? Ø How much of current traffic do we miss entirely? Ø Arrow Heights (proposed high density residential) development will not be

successful without jobs. Ø There is still 2.2 Acres of land available for hotel or other development. Ø Tim’s is 10 years old and has brought business to our community. Ø There has to be options and competition. Currently, our competition is out

of town Ø The market will decide what is viable. If you read all the studies on how to

compete against big box - service is the key. Ø When change is fearful we need to adjust our reaction to translate it into

positive action and take advantage of it. Potential benefits and considerations if the development is successful

Ø Opportunity for a highway visitor kiosk, digital or other. Ø A pathway to downtown from the mall would be essential. Ø Opportunity to highlight other businesses & downtown, I.e. Bike Rental Ø Opportunity to guide development strategy and accessibility design Ø New development needs to be planned according to the intersections. Ø An opportunity to showcase downtown through programs like the

chamber’s experience video flat screen TV’s Ø New opportunities for local tour operators and visitor services to expand

market reach.

Constant Contact Survey ResultsSurvey Name: Copy of Highway Development Survey Response Status: Partial & Completed Filter: None 9/28/2015 10:55 AM PDT

Should Council approve the added uses of grocery, pharmacy and health & wellness as requested bythe developers?

Answer 0% 100%Number of

Response(s)Response

RatioYes 12 33.3 %No 24 66.6 %

Totals 36 100%

Highway development is good, no matter what the business or service.

Answer 0% 100%Number of

Response(s)Response

RatioI agree 10 27.7 %I disagree 26 72.2 %No Response(s) 0 0.0 %

Totals 36 100%

Shopping mall development on the highway would be of economic benefit to Revelstoke.

Answer 0% 100%Number of

Response(s)Response

RatioYes 11 30.5 %No 20 55.5 %Undecided 5 13.8 %No Response(s) 0 0.0 %

Totals 36 100%

Page 1

Revelstoke needs more retail space and options, products & services. If yes, please share any specificideas that you have for new businesses.

Answer 0% 100%Number of

Response(s)Response

RatioYes 20 55.5 %No 11 30.5 %Undecided 5 13.8 %No Response(s) 0 0.0 %

Totals 36 100%

Please share any additional comments or suggestions.15 Response(s)

If a new shopping centre was to go ahead, what would you suggest the developer or businesses could doto promote our community? 20 Response(s)

Thank you for helping us provide our member's ideas at the Public Open House on Tuesday, September29th at 3 PM. We also encourage members and the public to send their own letter or e-mail to Council.

Answers Number of Response(s)First Name 33Last Name 33Company Name 33

Page 2

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From: Nancy Geismar <ngeismar@telus.net>Sent: Monday, September 28, 2015 7:52 PMTo: adminSubject: comments on public hearing: shopping centre, Tuesday, Sept. 29

Good afternoon to Mayor and Revelstoke City Council: 

I would like to state that I am opposed to developing a shopping centre with national chain pharmacy/grocery stores on the TransCanada highway. I understand the pressure of wanting to develop the town and bring in business but I do not feel that this proposal will benefit the town. 

My reasons behind this: 

1. First and foremost, I think it will be a detriment to the existing grocery and pharmacy businesses already inRevelstoke. If people can shop on the highway, I don’t believe they will come into town. If it is a national chain, then their prices will probably be lower and eventually put the existing shops/stores out of business. 

2. We are a strong community and should support our local families who work in and contribute to this community.

3. One of the aspects of Revelstoke that makes it unique is the fact that we don’t have big box stores or big nationalchains. Some may see this as a detriment, but there are possibly more that see this as a positive attribute. Both locals and visitors to town comment on the uniqueness of Revelstoke, and that is due in large part to the fact that we don’t have big national stores that make us look like every other community on the TransCanada highway. 

The City of Revelstoke and Chamber of Commerce have done a great job to bring people into the downtown core and the business people and entrepreneurs of Revelstoke have worked hard to create, manage, and sustain their unique businesses. It would be a shame to undermine the positive attributes of this city by allowing big box store/national chains to develop on the highway. 

Thank you for considering these comments. 

Respectfully yours, 

Nancy Geismar Revelstoke 

1

From: Brian Higgins <dharmabumc@gmail.com>Sent: Monday, September 28, 2015 10:22 PMTo: adminSubject: Proposed TCH Development in Revelstoke

I do not feel a development on the TCH of grocery and pharmacy would take anything away from the very pretty and quaint downtown core. I think a highway development will mostly siphon off cars from the TCH and become a convenient shopping area for those in Columbia park. The rest of Revy will continue to shop at Coopers and Southside and other downtown businesses because they are easily accessible to the majority of Revelstokians. Noone I know in town "enjoys" going out to the TCH. Bur more importantly I think we should consider what further strip mall development says about the town. We've worked very hard to sell the magical qualities of Revelstoke; the lifestyle, the quaint downtown, the world-class ski resort. We celebrate nature. we celebrate green space and our history. Now comes an opportunity to back away from the typical urban sprawl/strip mall development that plagues so many towns.. Big shiny stores and a parking lot? Boring. Ugly even. We have an opportunity to NOT look like the entrance to every other town along the TCH. How attractive might that be? Imagine. Headline:"World Class Resort Town Denies Strip Mall Proposal." What would that say about our values? Our commitment to our heritage? Travellers aren't attracted to a place that looks just like home. Imagine how many visitors have discovered the beauty of Revelstoke precisely because they had to come into town for groceries or the pharmacy? We should continue to offer the visitor a relatively undeveloped first impression, then, entice them into a downtown they will remember with fondness.

yours truly Brian Higgins Box 504 Revelstoke, BC

1

From: Gary Starling <gstarling@telus.net>Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2015 8:54 AMTo: adminSubject: Proposed shopping development

Mayor and council, 

I would like to comment on the proposed development. I am in favor of this going ahead. I believe there are many compelling reasons to move forward with this. I think it should be viewed as an opportunity for business rather than focusing on the negative aspects.  First off, there would be a tremendous boost to the City in tax revenue with this project. Increased tax revenue would protect existing business from substantial increases in the future.  Jobs: There will be several well paying jobs initially with the construction of this project and also into the future with long term living wage employment. This cannot be overlooked. Finally, the Mayor and several of the new council, ran on a platform of being business friendly and promoting more business and growth in the community. There where many comments made by the elected councillors and mayor that they would work hard to open the doors and cut red tape for new business as they felt that this was not happening fast enough. This is an opportunity for the current mayor and council to prove to the public that they are sincere.  

If we don't embrace growth and development we are truly going backwards. 

Gary Starling 219 3rd Street East Revelstoke BC 

Sent from my iPad 

1

Subject: Highway Development

From: freespiritrevy@gmail.com [mailto:freespiritrevy@gmail.com] On Behalf Of free spirit Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2015 9:28 AM To: Dean Strachan Subject: Highway Development

Attention: Dean Strachan, City of Revelstoke Council

As a long time business taxpayer and recently a residential taxpayer, I would like to reply to the Highway Development proposal. I am not in favor of the amendments being proposed. The last thing the city of Revelstoke needs is another drug store/London Drugs. The two existing drug stores in Revelstoke would be affected adversely and in fact if the amendments are approved would result in one of them closing down. Highwayretail development is not in the best interest for the residents of Revelstoke; what we need is accommodation and convention space.

Elmer Rorstad, Owner of Free Spirit Sports

-- Free Spirit Sports & Leisure Ltd 203 First St W, Box 2429 Revelstoke BC V0E 2S0

Ph:1-(250)-837-9453 www.freespiritsports.com

1

Subject: FW:

From: "George Buhler" <gbuhler@telus.net> Date: September 28, 2015 at 9:32:45 PM PDT To: "Mark McKee" <mmckee@revelstoke.ca>

Att; City of Revelstoke Council;

Please accept this e-mail as my response to the public hearing. I am in favour of adding grocery and pharmacy uses to the comprehensive development zone on the trans canada highway.

George Buhler

Dawn Levesque

From:Sent:To:Subject:

k-pont < k-pont@ hotmail.com >

Tuesday, September 29,2015 L:34 PM

CouncilHighway development

I am totally in favor of this type of idea. Contrary to what some people may think it would strengthen ourdowntown core. If you have nothing to compete against you don't run the race as hard..

Sent from my Samsung device

1

Ryan Buhler416 Taylor St.

Revelstoke, BC

Sept. 29, 2015

City of Revelstoke

Re: Proposed Shopping Centre, Bend Rd.

I support the general concept of a shopping centre on the Bend Rd. property but do not suppoftthe current design. There are three major concerns that I believed should be addressed before

any new developments are considered along the highway corridor, as follows:

'1. Reducing congestion at the intersection of Victoria Road and Highway I

Since most of the proposed businesses and restaurants will appealto local residents and

overnight tourists, a new high use transportation route will be established between thedowntown core and the new development. ln the current design, this route willoverlap with the

current high use transportation route that joins downtown with the Highway 1 access,

woodenhead businesses, and Columbia Park. Stacking these high use routes will only increase

congestion at the intersection.

I suggest that any new major highway development in the Bend Rd area or along the Big Bend

highway that will utilize the upper highway (Bend) intersection should have direct access to the

downtown core that does not use the Victoria Rd highway intersection and the existing train

underpass. This would include a second rail crossing in the form of surface crossing, overpass,

or underpass, or linking Bend Rd. to Farrell Rd.

2. A second rail crossing should be designed to create direct access to thedowntown core

Above I listed four options for rail crossings that would create a direct route between the Bend

highway intersection and the downtown core. Due to the heavy use of the rail line along thatsection of rail and trains regularly sitting there for extended periods of time, I would immediately

eliminate a new surface crossing, or at least make it the least favourable option. Secondly, forpretty much the same reasons, linking Bend Rd. and Farrell Rd. also wouldn't be an ideal

solution.

The two options to create a proper high-use transportation route are an underpass and an

overpass. I would place an overpass near the end of Bend Rd. and I would place an underpass

adjacent to the Wright St. intersection. The attached appendix contains rough drawings ofwhere these would be located. Also attached is a photo showing the old rail dump infrastructurewhich sets some precedence for an underpass in that location.

3. Promoting the downtore core and drawing highway traffic downtown

The current design does not allow tourists to get to the downtown core without going back ontothe highway (ignoring lower Bend rd. which is barely passable in the winter). lt is a dead endwhich means there will be congestion at the entrance/exit to the highway. Nothing makestourists want to get back onto the highway more quickly than local congestion. I believe mysuggestions above clearly show how we can get tourists directly downtown without having to go

back to the highwayMoodenhead congestion.

Thanks for considering these issues. I believe now is our last chance to properly design for thefuture of the downtown core and I believe the only option to avoid shifting to a "highway town"like Golden is to c¡eate a new transpoiiation ¡'ouie fi'om ihe uppei-highway inie¡'seciion todowntown. Once the highway is completely twinned and divided, we are going to see asubstantial increase in tourist traffic. Will our traffic infrastructure be prepared?

Ryan Buhler

Appendix

Appendix A: Sketch of potentialoverpass location

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