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Moyie Marine application motors forward
Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors May 6 unanimously approved third reading of a bylaw that will make room for the establishment of a marine business on the eastern edge of Moyie.
Bylaw No. 2686 adds ‘Boat repair, detailing, storage and sales’ as permitted uses to RDEK Moyie & Area Land Use Bylaw No. 2070, 2008 and to designate a part of the property in question as C-2 (General Commercial Zone) from RR-8, Rural Residential (Country) Zone.
Moyie and area residents came out in force during the April 26 public hearing for the Moyie/Kodila application in Cranbrook, with 48 people attending. An additional 52 written submissions were received by the RDEK prior to the hearing.
Eighteen people spoke in favour. Those speaking against the application cited an increase in boat traffic, impacts to work being done on community aesthetics, storage of used oil, potential impacts to property values and incompatibility with other property zonings as reasons.
Electoral Area C Director and board chair Rob Gay said he wrestled with this application.
“This is a very difficult call. The applicant has been very good to deal with,” he said, adding he supports the application. “I like to support small businesses.”
Electoral Area A Director Mike Sosnowski said the marine servicing business application in Moyie, close to Moyie Lake, “is a perfect example” of small business in a rural area.
“There is no better place for a boat business. I’d much rather see the boats there there than being dragged down the highway,” he said.
City of Cranbrook Coun. and board member Tom Shypitka agreed. “I think it’s a plus for the area,” he said, adding the presence of the marine business could improve safety on the water around Moyie.
“It’s going to be a lot better for the lake and people around there,” said Cranbrook Mayor and board member Lee Pratt, who said he sees the application as economic development.
After passing third reading, the regional government now forwards the application to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for approval before the RDEK passes the final reading.
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