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Resident
Comments on the Revelstoke OCP
Following are
some resident comments sent in through our
Revelstoke OCP Resident Comments
Form
June 27, 2007
I have noted the concerns
for air quality among residents of Revelstoke. I am wondering whether a
reduction in the use of leaf blowers could be supplanted with the hiring
of the mentally challenged and others who are on handicapped pension? I
understand that some would do well with work experience and that they
are allowed on their pensions to make $500 per month without penalty to
their income. Activities similar to this are presently underway in other
locals and Revelstoke residents could well benefit from the experience
gained by those organizations i.e. Venture Training in Vernon and
Kindale in Armstrong and the City of Revelstoke could benefit from a
labor intensive work force.
AMBULANCE BUILDING FOR REVELSTOKE
Would it be appropriate for the ambulance services to consider the site
on Victoria Road of the present "Paul's Appliance Service Ltd"? I
understand that the owners are retiring. Visually, I do not have the
exact measurements, the site is larger than the present contemplated
site and the exit visibility from the site provides a greater scan of
oncoming traffic than the present proposed site off King street. I am
wondering if initially, Search and Rescue might also be housed in the
ambulance building , i.e. the second story. As expansion of the City
increases with the possible need for more ambulances, so might the
developing organization of Search and Rescue be expanding. At this
juncture Search and Rescue would probably need their own structure and
the ambulance services could expand into what up to then , was the part
of the building allocated to Search and Rescue. I gather that Search and
Rescue are presently housed in the RCMP Building. They may need a
greater space for their equipment and training area. Wherever the
ambulance services are eventually settled I would suggest that attention
be given to landscaping that provides a buffer for ambulance siren and
visually for emergency lights, especially if residential areas are
nearby. I would also suggest that the design of the building lend itself
to buffer both siren sound and visibility of emergency lights from the
adjacent residences.
May 22, 2007
I understand that
Revelstoke is expected to grow dramatically in coming years, and
affordable housing is an important issue. After looking at the future
growth map, I don't see any area where a shopping mall could be put, let
alone some medium sized box stores (like Canadian Tire, Zellers, Save-on
Foods, London Drugs or ?). Seeing we are quite an isolated community, we
need a better selection of lower priced merchandise. There is a good
range of specialty merchandise in town now, but few retailers where the
basics are available at prices that would be a given in other
communities. I think a large tract of land should be designated for
future retail growth in this area. From the map, I see lots of little
spots peppered throughout the community for retail – but these would be
for more of the same we have now? I don't think any ‘box store’s or a
shopping mall could fit (or should be) in the Downtown core. I don't
suggest tampering with the beautiful historical character and
attractiveness of the downtown core, and I think the Grizzly Plaza
extension would be a good thing too. Downtown is great for specialty
retail and restaurants, and it should stay that way. It would be a
tragedy to knock down any of the downtown heritage homes to make room
for more downtown retail. We do need to plan for the future and reserve
a significantly sized contiguous piece of land for shopping now while
there is still room. When Revelstoke has doubled in size we don't want
to wish we planned differently.
A lower cost of living (lower costs
for basic necessities available at box stores / large grocery) would
also help with the affordable housing problem as it would free up a bit
more income to go towards rent. I think that once the resort develops we
will need to attract many employees to work the low paying tourism
service jobs there. In addition to affordable housing, affordable goods
and groceries will be needed. Also, a significant part of the new
residents will be quite wealthy, and support of the wonderful specialty
shops downtown will thrive. Results from the retail survey in 2006
included: - generate a wider selection of retailers – 63% - encourage
more competitive pricing – 61% - bring in brand name stores – 40% A
significant portion of the community seems to be thinking the same way?
There was a question on the survey regarding big box stores, but it
seems to have been omitted from the final report, and isn’t included in
the survey results appendix of the Revelstoke Retail Strategy 2006.
Maybe I missed it? I don't think we should be afraid of the competition
of larger stores. Almost any community of 12 - 15,000 residents has
these types of stores. Banff comes to mind as an example of a very
expensive community to live in. Every store in town sells goods at much
higher prices than could be found elsewhere - making it difficult for
low income families to make ends meet. I don’t think we want that here?
May 17, 2007
The main concern I have
with the future development of Revelstoke is the thoughtless rezoning of
ALR land that is facilitated by the city. ALR land was designated in
order to protect it in perpetuity. To rezone this land is short-sited
and greed-ridden. If this land was not so easily rezoned, it would be
considerably more affordable for people that have an interest in using
it as agricultural land. Instead, it is priced for condominiums and
subdivisions, in the knowledge that the city ad the regional district
will turn a blind eye on the main purpose of ALR land.
April 11, 2007
We have seen the type of
resort that will develop in Revelstoke make housing for the average
working person expensive and difficult to find. We think it is vital
that, in addition to creating areas of specific zoning, Revelstoke be
flexible enough to look at individual properties in detail. This will
allow those properties that are situated in suitable areas and are large
enough to accommodate parking to offer reasonable priced rental
accommodation. For example, an existing single family lot may be
suitable for accommodating a second suite. Or, an existing duplex lot
may be large enough to properly accommodate two suites per side. In an
average city this may be less than desirable but in a city servicing a
resort it may be necessary and can be properly instituted on the proper
sites.
April 4, 2007
I have limited access to
the internet. Can you please let me know how I can access the OCP in
paper form, without having to pay $15.00 for it. I am concerned that
there are many people in Revelstoke who will not have access to this
process, as it is limited to those who have extensive internet access,
or have money to spend on the hard copy document.
Response: The current OCP is available at the library and City Hall.
March
28, 2007
We have seen the type of
resort that will develop in Revelstoke make housing for the average
working person expensive and difficult to find. We think it is vital
that, in addition to creating areas of specific zoning, Revelstoke be
flexible enough to look at individual properties in detail. This will
allow those properties that are situated in suitable areas and are large
enough to accommodate parking to offer reasonable priced rental
accommodation. For example, an existing single family lot may be
suitable for accommodating a second suite. Or, an existing duplex lot
may be large enough to properly accommodate two suites per side. In an
average city this may be less than desirable but in a city servicing a
resort it may be necessary and can be properly instituted on the proper
sites.
March
10, 2007
I note that the playhouse
has had to vacate its' location at the foot of Mt. McKenzie to make way
for the ski resort. I have heard the grumblings of the present Arts
Center as to location, etc. etc. I am aware that the School District is
considering the amalgamation and building of a new elementary school
which would leave a heritage building vacant (Mountain View). I would
like to submit to the community planning process the suggestion that the
Third Street facade of the original High School be preserved and
incorporated into a redesigned building that would become a Performing
Arts Center for Revelstoke. The present Support Services building used
to be the Industrial Arts Building. Could that become an area to build
props? Could the gym and stage area be expanded and revamped for large
productions such as out of town performers and local productions that
would draw large crowds? Could the older part of the building be
designed to accommodate the Arts Center? There would certainly be no
parking problem as the present playgrounds could serve in that regard.
The location is close to the City core and to restaurants which could
'round out the evening'. Could one section be converted into a smaller
stage and production area for smaller presentations? I am also wondering
if there could be cooperation (if not funding) with the School District
that would keep both the Arts Center and the Performing Arts section
fully utilized as the Secondary School participates in those subject
areas as part of their education. It would be a bit of a hike from the
Secondary School location but could that be deemed 'physical education'?
I understand that teachers have a lot to work into the curriculum these
days.
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