Council approves extension for Kenmount Road car lot

By Mark Squibb

Paradise council has approved an extension to a car lot on Kenmount Road Extension, although one councillor did express concerns about the application.

The Town had received an application to extend the existing vehicle storage yard onto adjacent property at 1133-1155 Kenmount Road. The civil drawings meet the Town’s regulations, and approval of the application required the land be consolidated into one parcel.

Staff recommended approval, subject to 19 conditions.

Councillor Glen Carew asked that, as the vehicles will be parked near the road, staff could add an extra condition stipulating the necessity of a privacy fence.

“We know that at some point in time there will be increased traffic along Kenmount Road,” said Carew. “I’m not saying it’s an eyesore, but if we have the opportunity for more privacy, so that the business can be somewhat shielded from the traveling public, I’m just wondering if that can be added as a condition.”

Chief Administrative Officer Lisa Niblock said if staff require the business to install a fence, they may need to do the same for others in the area, and so the matter would need further review before it was added as a condition.

Carew allowed it would be prudent to investigate the matter.

Councillor Erin Furlong said she had never noticed the lot while driving along Kenmount Road, but would not be opposed to considering a privacy fence if that is the will of council. She added the shrubs that are to be planted along the boundary will be a good start to addressing the concerns.

Deputy Mayor Kimberley Street wondered whether a privacy fence would encourage theft, as the lot would be hidden from view. She said she didn’t see an issue with the property as is.

Councillor Sheldon Antle, meanwhile, noted both the berm separating the property from the road and the fact that damaged cars will be stored further back in the lot away from the road.

Councillor Tommy Maher said the business is perhaps one of the neatest and well kept along Kenmount Road Extension, and suggested council revisit the property in a year’s time if a problem arises.
Mayor Patrick Martin concurred that he’s hardly ever seen a vehicle from the road.

CAO Niblock added the business has had a good relationship with the Town and if the matter becomes a problem down the road, it can be dealt with then.

The conversation then circled back to Carew, who reiterated his concern.

“Wrecks are essentially stored just down over the hill, so you don’t get to see any of those vehicles,” said Carew. “This addition to the lot, as shown in one of the diagrams here, will be, essentially, adjacent to Kenmount Road, and the drawing shows the ability to store a couple hundred wrecked cars. Essentially, those would be right next to Kenmount Road, opposed to the current operation that stores them down over the hill, out of sight.”

However, when put to a vote, Carew voted with the rest of council to approve the application, with everyone agreeing to reconsider a privacy fence in the future should problems arise.