Kamloops council votes to adopt zoning change allowing liquor store on Windsor Avenue

Photo: Castanet Staff

Kamloops city council has voted in favour of adopting a zoning change that will allow a liquor store to operate in the Cooper Foundation building near Halston Avenue and Eighth Street.

Council voted on the matter after a public hearing held Tuesday evening at city hall, which saw some neighbours bring forward concerns around traffic impacts and the liquor store’s proximity to Bert Edwards Science and Technology elementary school.

After hearing from staff, residents and property owner representatives in the public hearing, Coun. Mike O’Reilly said he would be supporting the zoning amendment.

O’Reilly said many opposing the proposal cited traffic concerns, but the property was already zoned for some high-traffic uses. He said he views a liquor store as a low-traffic operation.

“As well, [the liquor store] is facing on to Eighth. Sure, on a map it looks like it's near an elementary school, but it really isn't. There's significant separation from that. And that's why I’ll be supporting this today,” he said.

City staff said the site would house the Angry Otter/Liquor Depot, which intends to move from its current location near Bailey’s Pub into the second storey of the Cooper Foundation building, located at 750 Windsor Ave.

At the public hearing prior to council’s vote, staff said the city received six pieces of correspondence in opposition to the proposal.

Laura Balogh, who lives near the newly renovated Cooper Foundation building, came to the public hearing with a copy of a petition signed by 75 residents opposing the liquor store.

She told council the residents were concerned about increased traffic, as they already experience “gridlock” due to a new Tim Hortons next to the property in question. She said the residents don't agree with the store operating in such close proximity to the school.

"Safety for our children must be a No. 1 priority," Balogh said.

City staff said the proposed liquor store would be located about 50 metres from Bert Edwards, but would face Eighth Street — away from the school. Staff also noted there had previously been a pub on site, the Dirty Jersey, which operated until 2019.

Nelly Dever, president and CEO of the Cooper Family Foundation, attended the public hearing to explain more about the proposal and to answer questions from council.

She said the foundation planned to support non-profits operating in the building by covering their rent for the first 10 years.

“So how are we going to pay property taxes, the overhead. You need to generate income. Don't like to say it but yes, liquor stores generate a lot,” Dever said.

Coun. Dale Bass asked Dever for more information on expected traffic flow to and from the building.

“I kind of feel for the residents who have expressed concerns about the traffic, because I’ve experienced it myself. So how are you going to mitigate traffic,” Bass asked.

Dever said based on data she had, the liquor store could generate about 22 customers over lunchtime, and between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., there might be about 33 people per hour entering the store.

After the public hearing ended and as council’s discussion on the proposed amendment began, Coun. Bill Sarai said he planned to support the recommendation.

“The traffic is going to come there no matter what goes there, that didn't need a zoning change,” Sarai said.

“I think having a liquor store facing Eighth Street isn't going to hinder children's development, and like I said, it's not going to stay vacant. If we vote this down, there is still going to be traffic.”

The motion passed 6-2, with Bass and Coun. Arjun Singh opposed. Coun. Sadie Hunter recused herself from the public hearing and the vote due to a conflict of interest.

Hunter had already stated her opposition to the proposal at an earlier council meeting.