The old Merritt rest stop.
Image Credit: Google Maps
February 05, 2022 - 7:00 AM
It may take a few more years but the old Merritt rest stop could become a stopping place once again with almost 46,000 square feet of commercial space.
An application by Spayum Holdings Limited Partnership, is slowly working its way through the City of Merritt to redevelop the lands.
On Jan. 25, council gave third reading to approve a Comprehensive Development Zone for a 28.7 acre parcel of land near the intersection of the Coquihalla Highway and the Okanagan Connector that includes the rest stop that was closed in 2018.
Spayum Holdings is a development company jointly owned by five First Nations in the Nicola Valley: Coldwater Indian Band, Lower Nicola Indian Band, Nooaitch Indian Band, Shackan Indian Band and Upper Nicola Indian Band.
An email from the directors would not comment on the proposal other than to say they are pleased Merritt city council gave it third reading approval.
“We are in the process of preparing a full media release jointly with TROIKA about the project and anticipate it to be ready for release towards the end of February,” the email says, referring to development partner Troika Management Corp. “Until that time we (the Board) are limited on what we can talk to the media about. As with any First Nations projects, Band members need to hear the story first and we are in the process of doing this as we prepare the full media release.”
The bands spent more than 20 years trying to get the land and received a Crown grant in March of 2021, according to documents filed with the City of Merritt.
READ MORE: Coquihalla rest stop in Merritt to get new life following land transfer
The plan calls for commercial/retail space anchored by a gas station and convenience store that will be developed over three phases over four to five years.
The development zone allows for additional uses such as an administrative office, artisan studio, brewing and distilling, a drive-thru, gallery, museum, liquor and food primary establishments and a truck travel centre.
The land is adjacent to the Godey Creek hiking and mountain biking trails so access to those trails is part of the plan.
“Maintaining access to trailheads and connectivity between the trailheads and the planned cycle routes will be important,” a report to Merritt city council said. “The applicant’s development partner, Troika Management Corp., has suggested a proposed restaurant or pub that may include a patio where cyclists can ride their mountain bikes straight onto the patio.”
Troika is a Kelowna company that still lists Kelowna-Mission MLA and B.C. Liberal leadership candidate Renee Merrifield as part of their team but no longer lists her as CEO.
The next stage in the approval process is to get agreement from the Ministry of Transportation. There is also an issue with the $7.6 million cost of extending water and sewer to the site.
This shows the lands proposed for development by five Nicola First Nations.
Image Credit: Submitted/City of Merritt
Just up the gravel road in front of the site, west past the Godey Creek trails, is another proposal to develop a casino, a 100-room hotel and up to 450 homes on 64.5 acres of land.
These are the lands proposed for a casino and housing development near the former rest stop.
Image Credit: Submitted/City of Merritt
That application is from Palomino Pointe Estates and is going through a similar comprehensive development zone process with the City of Merritt.
Its website says it will be a 55+ seniors community but most of the website is password protected. The contact person is former B.C. Premier Bill Vander Zalm.
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