The construction of a fitness centre on South Hill is one step closer to reality after city council provided further approval for the project.
During the Sept. 27 regular meeting, council approved a subdivision application for 1135 Ninth Avenue Southwest, provided applicant Nathan Fall gives city administration a satisfactory building code analysis.
The application meets all requirements in existing municipal bylaws and The Planning and Development Act, 2007, a council report said.
This is the second time Fall’s project has come before council. On May 25, he submitted a discretionary use application for a commercial recreation establishment, which council subsequently approved.
The aspiring business owner plans to construct the building on a separately established lot by subdividing the property’s southern portion.
The property is zoned C1 neighbourhood commercial district, while the proposed subdivision conforms to the zoning bylaw for land use and minimum development standards, said Michelle Sanson, director of planning and development. All services are adjacent to the property and do not need to be altered to accommodate the project, while no utility easements exist that could be affected.
Several sections of the Official Community Plan (OCP) apply to this subdivision application, she continued.
Section 5.2.1.c recommends that the city encourage infill of existing commercial areas instead of creating and servicing new commercial areas. This proposed subdivision will be constructed in a well-established neighbourhood that has infill development. The business will also create jobs and provide services to the surrounding area.
Section 5.2.2.c of the OCP speaks about establishing commercial sites along collector or arterial roadways. This project, said Sanson, will not negatively affect infrastructure, area residences are not expected to cause conflict, and the fitness centre will offer recreation and exercise opportunities for area residents.
The next regular council meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 12.
