Sylvan Lake town council on Monday approved a development permit for a commercial strip mall to be constructed on the Lakeshore Drive lot formerly occupied by a Shell gas station.
The application — submitted by Polar Creek Industries Inc. and subsequently recommended to council by the Town’s Municipal Planning Commission — proposed the construction of a six-bay commercial strip mall at 5003 Lakeshore Drive.
A letter to council from Al Laplante, president of Polar Creek Industries Inc., indicates there are “two very well-known large companies who are interested in this particular location.”
He requested council’s approval, despite acknowledging the proposed design does “not meet all of the current Waterfront District Control zoning standards.”
Administration recommended council deny the permit, as certain aspects of the proposal weren’t in line with the Town’s Pattern Book.
Council approved the permit with motion amendments to include the provision of entrances on the development’s north and east sides, and consistency on exterior finishes.
“This is the perfect example where our Pattern Book, as it was, I feel has restricted an awful lot of very good projects,” said Coun. Dale Plante.
Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the approval. Coun. Chris Lust was absent.