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(JESSICA WALLACE / iNFOnews.ca)

The new clinical services building at Royal Inland Hospital got the green light from Kamloops city councillors Tuesday with construction expected as early as this spring.

One of the few remaining hurdles for the $80-million project is financial approval from the province. Construction should take 26 to 28 months.

Councillors voted unanimously to support the development permit Tuesday.

"I can't express how exciting this is for the community," said Coun. Nancy Dever.

The proposed structure is about 17,600 square meters and seven storeys high, including a three-storey parking structure with 350 stalls, two storeys of clinical services, and a ground-level commercial space. It will house some 10 clinical services including a vascular improvement program, pre-surgical screening, UBC Faculty of Medicine and lobotomy outpatient services.

The building is also expected to help solve another problem that has plagued the downtown core — parking.

"The facility will take parking pressure away from the existing site," Johnson added.

MORE FROM COUNCIL

City gives nightclub chance for public input despite lack of support

The City is allowing Cactus Jacks Saloon to seek community input regarding a potential expansion of their nightclub's liquor license from 495 to 625 patrons.

The recommendation to council was to not approve the license.

The RCMP did not approve the application, citing reasons of a recent over-capacity infraction and dangers associated with closing time at the bar.

They did, however, agree to consider the application in the future pending good behaviour by the establishment.

"They should be able to show one year contravention free before being granted capacity increase," said RCMP Corp. Nick Lee.

A meeting between RCMP, City staff and liquor licensing inspectors clarified terms for any future capacity increases to the nightclub including: shuttles returning patrons to the university at closing time, more staff for closing time, sidewalk barricades, technological surveillance, increased lighting outside and a revised Good Neighbour agreement addressing previously mentioned issues.

The nightclub has offered to comply with several of the demands as well as relinquish a 245-seat liquor license purchased by owners for the recently closed down Rivers Nightclub.

"I think this is an issue where we need to hear the community's input," said Councillor Tina Lange at the Nov. 20 council meeting.

"I'm looking forward to hearing what they have to say," said Councillor Arjun Singh.


Commercial property in Juniper expands

Council approved a variance application, Nov. 20, for building heights and setbacks on a project that will expand commercial property in Juniper.

Fraser Bay Developments Inc. proposed to build a one-and-a-half-storey and a two-storey building at Highland Road and Qu’Appelle Boulevard with both residential and commercial space.

A report to the Chief Administrative Officer from the development and engineering services department said the developer’s proposal complies with the City’s Official Community Plan.

— Jessica Wallace
jwallace@infotelnews.ca
(250)319-7494




 

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