Council has endorsed a new development near the Campbell River Airport.
At its meeting Monday night, council approved a major development permit for Sweet-Zees Holding Company Ltd., an affiliate of Zimmfor Management Services Ltd.
The company intends to construct a mixed use building with commercial office space and small bays for light industrial to be leased for commercial, industrial or compound storage purposes.
Coun. Larry Samson said the project will be a boon for Campbell River.
“This is a really good news story for the airport, but also the City of Campbell River, to see such a special development that’s hopefully going to set the benchmark, along with Sealand Aviation, out there,” Samson said.
According to a letter of intent from Sweet-Zees to the city, the development will “focus on providing tenant space for resource sector service providers, government agencies, etc.”
The letter also states that the development “will benefit the surrounding neighbourhood by providing much needed ‘professional’ light industrial and commercial space to the region. The development will complement the recently completed Campbell River Airport upgrade and runway extension and assist in positioning the region as an amenity base for resource based companies and agencies.”
The development is slated to be built on 2.5 acres directly across the street from the airport, near Sealand Aviation.
The site is expected to be developed in two phases and council approved a major development permit at Monday’s council meeting for construction of phase one – the front half of the parcel.
Kathleen Wilker, the city’s planner, said the building is intended to be two storeys tall with enough parking to accommodate 35 vehicles. She said the building fits well with the city’s Official Community Plan guidelines for the area.
“The building design has a high level of architectural detail and is attractively finished,” Wilker wrote in a report to council. “The building follows a contemporary west coast theme with shed roofs, large fir posts and beams, and contrasting warm colour combinations.”
While development is yet to begin on the property, there is currently a sign up on the site advertising leasing opportunities for perspective tenants.