A new major development in Harrison Hot Springs took another step forward during the village council's final meeting of 2024.
Council unanimously approved a development permit for a 72-unit hotel with a three-floor parkade and a 33-seat restaurant. The proposed hotel would be located in what is currently two adjacent gravel lots between Milos Greek Taverna and the Harrison Grand Motel on Esplanade Avenue.
First presented the council in September, this development permit has its fair share of subjects attached, including a traffic study, a carbon imprint report and a sunshade study.
Mayor Fred Talen said a landscaping plan was notably not part of the development permit application.
"As I understand it, we're getting some advice and doing some planning for Lillooet Avenue West...that will involve landscaping and other things for the trees that had to be taken down earlier this year," he said. "I'd like to consider Lillooet (Avenue) and landscaping from a larger lens."
Coun. Mark Schweinbenz agreed, saying landscaping is the project's "Achilles' heel."
"There should be some imaginative landscaping," Schweinbenz said. "Some tall, conical trees, rain gardens, something that can take the visual focus off of the open parking lot."
Talen was referring to four oak trees on Lillooet Avenue that had to be removed due to numerous health issues, including fungal stress, crown dieback and spongy wet tissue. The trees have since been removed and the wood was supposed to be salvaged for a future beautification project that has not yet specifically been named. The village staff are currently working on a Lillooet Avenue West Streetscape Plan, a guideline document meant to direct beautification efforts along one of Harrison Hot Springs' central streets. A draft is expected to be available sometime this winter.
Council expressed optimism about the new prospective addition to the community.
"This will bring in much-needed (Resort Municipality Initiative) money into the village," said Coun. Leo Facio. "It will create more jobs in the community, which is very good. Having another hotel will hopefully help to get larger groups to come to Harrison, which would definitely benefit the business community as well."
"I think if this project goes ahead and is built, I'd be very pleased to see it," Talen said. "I think it'll really change the character and look on that block, and I look forward to the improvements on Lillooet. I think this is the right time and right project for the village."
In other council business:
- Council tabled a motion from Schweinbenz concerning a potential bylaw banning the use of non-essential pesticides and herbicides. Council – including Schweinbenz – agreed to table the matter to allow the Environmental Advisory Committee to speak with an expert on the matter and give the staff time to do additional research.
- Council approved the release of items from the Nov. 25 and Dec. 10 special closed council meetings. The items included the creation of a communications and community engagement coordinator position, a collective agreement with CUPE 458 and a one-year contract with KWC Planning Services. Closed – or in-camera – meetings are closed to the public and are most typically called to discuss matters of personnel, land deals and legal matters.
- The winners of the village holiday lighting contests were announced: 831 Myng Cres. and Muddy Waters Café (328 Esplanade Ave.)
