Castlegar city council has approved a three-year temporary use permit allowing New Denver’s Kootenay Beds to relocate its operations to 2240 6th Avenue.
Council heard on Monday that the New Denver-based company has grown too large for its current location and wants to set up operations in Castlegar.
The applicants requested a light industrial use permit to accommodate their operations within the former Arrow Building Supplies building (RONA).
The proposed lease area includes the older section of the building and would house an office, woodworking shop, finishing area and lumber storage.
City planner Sarah Martin said the property is currently zoned C3 mixed use, housing a newspaper and a package delivery service.
“Industrial light means an industrial use that does not significantly impact adjacent properties,” Martin explained, noting that the building is across from the city’s new shelter.
She said temporary use permits allow non-permitted uses on a trial basis before permanent zoning changes are considered and can be issued for up to three years.
Kootenay Beds would occupy the middle portion of the building for woodworking, finishing and assembly of furniture, along with lumber storage and shipping. The company may set up a small showroom, but it was noted it primarily operates through online sales.
The work would occur inside the building, with only a small covered area outside used for finished products awaiting shipment.
Martin said the proposal aligns with the city’s strategic plan and community plan.
“The plans support business, employment and residential use in the Columbia Avenue corridor. Staff consider a small-scale craftsman and artisanal type manufacturing and production within a building to be compatible with these goals.”
Council was largely supportive of granting the permit, with Councillor Brian Bogle noting the company’s small operation makes it a good fit for the location.
“I went online and looked at the products that this company makes and it is currently a fairly small operation,” he said.
“It’s just the two people that own the company are working there. It’s not like it’s going to be operating 24 hours a day. So I would expect that there wouldn’t be much noise after 5 o’clock.”
Mayor Maria McFaddin also expressed support, highlighting the potential for economic development.
“At the economic development table, we’ve been talking often about manufacturing and that being a space that we need to increase,” McFadden said.
“It says they’re hoping to employ six to eight people and their hours of operation are only seven to seven if that and I think the more we can support local businesses to expand and relocate to Castlegar as the central hub to be able to expand out of, I’m in complete support.”
The city will notify property owners and tenants within 100 metres of the property and publish notice in two consecutive issues of the local newspaper.
Staff noted that the permit’s issuance is contingent upon submission of a complete building permit application to ensure safety and compliance with the B.C. Building Code.
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