A proposal to turn the old Field’s store on Oliver Street into a church is open to public comment until the city council meeting on May 10.
That’s because Cariboo Community Church is asking for a reduction in the number of normally required parking spaces and city staff is recommending council endorse the development variance permit.
The church has asked if it can provide 25 off-street parking spaces rather than the required 98.
In a report to council about the proposal planner Chris Hutton said retail spaces normally require less parking than a place of worship.
“The applicants have included letters of support from surrounding businesses indicating that the Cariboo Community Church may use parking spaces on Sunday mornings,” Hutton noted in the report, noting a total of 69 spaces have been provided through the letters.
On-street parking is also available on Oliver Street, with no restrictions on Sundays, he added.
Council directed staff to issue notices about the application to surrounding property owners and tenants within a 100-metre radius.
“Parking is a concern that’s why it’s going for public comment,” Mayor Walt Cobb said during Tuesday’s regular council meeting when council received Hutton’s report. “I know how busy some churches can be all week long.”