May 26, 2008
Large Format Retail Development Impact Study
This economic report was commissioned by Smart!Centres and was completed in March and April 2008. In advance of the study being understaken, terms of reference we reviewed and approved by both the City of Salmon Arm planning staff and Smart!Centres. The main objective of the study is to provide a reliable and accurate assessment of the potential sales impact of Large Format Stores (LFS) proposed for development in Salmon Arm.
At the 2:30pm session of the May 26, 2008 City Council meeting, the findings of this report were presented to Mayor and Council.
City Council asked questions of the consultant, Richard Wozney. It should be noted, that only City Council had the opportunity to ask questions for the presenter. These questions spanded from general Large Format Store Impacts to specific questions regarding our community. Download a log of these questions.
Retail Impact Study Council Q&A (Microsoft Word Document)
May 7, 2008
Smart!Centres Response to City Request for Cooperation and Consultation
Smart!Centres Response to City Council Motion of April 14, 2008 (pdf)
April 14, 2008
City Encourages Cooperation and Consultation with Infogaps Group
At the April 14th meeting of City Council, Council resolved the following:
"Council provide a letter to Smart!Centres encouraging cooperation and consultation with local interest groups as outline in the letter from Michael Wagner, Rob Marshall, Robin Hickman and Bill Grainger dated, March 19th. (Download pdf of March 19th letter)
April 2, 2008
DIA Update on Calloway REIT/Smart Centres Development Application
DIA calls for OCP review (Nov 21)
Economic Development Society, (EDS), Info Gaps Working Group identifies info gaps and requests independent study (Feb 25) with terms of reference set by all parties involved
Council commits to review at Planning & Development meeting on March 30, 2008 and bring back to next Council meeting on Feb 10th .
This did not happen.
In interim, developer sends letter to Council saying they are doing their own study.
EDS Info Gaps Working Group reiterates request for independent study by consultants selected in open and transparent competition overseen by independent body. (March 20th letter)
Council discusses developers letter at meeting of March 25 and indicated working groups letter will be on the agenda for Meeting of April 14th
To date, Council has not responded to our request for an OCP review or an independent study to fill the information gaps identified in our report.
We anticipate that they may deal with this matter at the afternoon session on April 14th and encourage all members to attend.
Your DIA Representatives on the Economic Development Society Working Group,
David Askew, Director; Rob Marshall, President
February 26, 2008
Report: Information Gaps on Large Scale Developments
City Council has given first reading to the application for a Big Box development 3 kilometres to the West on the banks of the Salmon River. This is a huge development which is equal to the whole of downtown Salmon Arm. There are many unanswered questions about potential impacts of such a large development on downtown business and on the community as a whole. Both the community and city council need these questions answered before further decisions on this development are made.
The DIA was part of a working group, including representatives of the business community including the Chamber of Commerce, Committee for a Strong and Sustainable Salmon Arm, and the Economic Development Society, that identify gaps in information. The Economic Development Society presented a summary of those information gaps at the City Council meeting on Monday, February 25. A copy of the report is available for your review.
Information Gaps on Large Scale Developments (Microsoft Word document)
We are encouraging all DIA members to education yourself on the possible developments that are facing Salmon Arm. It is important to us all that Council and the community get the information we need to make an informed decisions.
Smart Centres Phone Survey Regarding Salmon Arm Shopping Habits
To download this file, please click here (6.08 MB - PDF)
358 Alexander Street NE
PO Box 1928
Salmon Arm, BC
Phone: 250 832-5440
Fax: 250 832-5039
E-mail: info@salmonarmdowntown.com