A tragic situation involving the owner of Guy’s Furniture has led to North Battleford city council approving a discretionary land use application from Guy’s Furniture for the strip mall building at 1802 - 100th St.
The application is to establish a “dwelling unit accessory” to the permitted use at that location.
The idea is to create an accessory suite in the location where Don Jerry Bulk Foods is currently located, next to Guy’s Furniture.
The application was made to accommodate Guy’s Furniture owner Larry Houle, who was left paralyzed after an accident playing recreational hockey in February. Guy's Furniture sought the ability to have the owner live close to the store.
To accommodate the development the lease for Don Jerry Bulk Foods was not being renewed at the location. They now must relocate to a new location to stay in business.
In a second resolution, council directed administration to assist in finding an alternative commercial site for Don Jerry Bulk Foods.
Planner Devin MacAulay said the owner of Don Jerry Bulk Foods was contacted and, while he was of mixed emotions, he was “also aware of the circumstances, a difficult situation for all.”
The land is zoned C3- Arterial Commercial District, but an accessory unit is permitted as a discretionary use. It was noted other residential suites are located across the street so it would not be out of character for the area. No objections were filed to the proposed development.
With this approval, a building and development permit will be required.
