Comox Valley Record, October 07, 2014

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TUESDAY October 7, 2014 Vol. 29 • No. 80 ••• $1.25 inc. G.S.T.

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Lorne Hotel site one step closer to redevelopment Applications given first and second reading at Comox council meeting

Erin Haluschak Record Staff

A proposal for a five-storey mixed-use building on the site of the former Lorne Hotel in downtown Comox has taken a step forward, with a request from council to hold an open house about the project for the public. A rezoning and development permit applications were given first and second reading at Wednesday’s council meeting, but council unanimously

approved a motion to host an open house to introduce the project to the entire community. With Mayor Paul Ives stepping away from council chambers due to a conflict of interest, council took the first step for the construction of a five-storey mixed-use building with a pub, liquor store and bistro on the ground floor, and 21 residential

units on the remaining four floors. Developer Shawn Vincent of Simba Investments Ltd. told council when the iconic Lorne burnt to the ground in February 2011, “there was a lot of emotions,” he explained of what was reportedly the community’s first hotel and the oldest licensed drinking establishment in B.C.

“Many people have very fond memories of the Lorne.” He added two years ago he met with Lorne Hotel owner George Kacavenda to talk about redevelopment and considered a variety of factors including insurance, economics and the condo market. Vincent, along with architect Harry Whitfield and designer Richard Jasper, presented their latest design in July for an invite-only open house (meeting legal requirements).

EYES ON THE PIES

... see LORNE ■ 9

A 3D replica of what might be built on the former site of the Lorne Hotel.

PHOTO BY ERIN HALUSCHAK

Frustrated developer officially pulls plug on Courtenay subdivision

“The past 18 months have been pure hell,” said Coulson, who figures about a quarter of city Ron Coulson feels the time has property taxes are derived from come for a bit of “tough love” with Crown Isle customers. “There’s 25 years of development on that site. the City of Courtenay. The CEO of Silverado Group I believe we have a voice in the of Companies has pulled the City of Courtenay.” Coulson plug on a subdisays he’s not vision applicaThe last 18 months alone in his tion because he frustration could not obtain have been pure hell. with the city. approval in time Ron Coulson Former develfor the spring oper Brent real estate marCunliffe says ket. Coulson feels an “adversarial” he is one of many who got out of relationship has been created the business because they were between developers and city engi- fed up with the bureaucracy and neering staff. He even suggests time delays. “It seems standard for 18 his company has been greenmonths to pass between applicamailed by the city. He also claims promises of tion and getting approval in this weekly meetings never happened. town,” Cunliffe said, recalling the “We can’t carry on like this,” time between phases when buildCoulson said. “Without certainty, ing Britannia Place at Crown Isle. “It should have just been rubber we can’t proceed.” For instance, he said it is criti- stamped in a week.” cal to know on- and off-site costs ... see SILVERADO ■ 4 when committing to sell land.

Scott Stanfield Record Staff

PHOTO BY ERIN HALUSCHAK

Suzanna Gibson and pal Sam Goldby take a close look at some of the pies on the tasting block Saturday afternoon in Cumberland as part of the Foggy Mountain Fall Fair. Funds raised in the pie auction support the Cumberland Community Forest Society.

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