A development permit with variance to allow construction of a gas station and convenience store that would replace the ones that burned down in 2021 in Whiskey Creek has been recommended to the Regional District of Nanaimo board for approval.
The application was filed by Echelon Creative Inc., on behalf of Mid Island Consumer Services Co-operative. It was presented by RDN staff at the Electoral Area Services Committee meeting on Sept. 4 for endorsement and recommendation to the RDN board for approval.
The proposed development includes the convenience store, canopy fuelling area, septic system, and drinking water well. The plan is to use the existing signage, fuel storage tanks, vehicle access lanes and parking area. As well, the existing storm water management system including catch basins, oil/grit separators and stormwater pipes will also be used.
The proposed gas and convenient store is located South of the Alberni Highway, east of Whiskey Creek in Electoral Area F (Coombs, Hilliers, Errington, Whiskey Creek, Meadowood).
Paul Thompson, manager, Long Range Planning Strategic and Community Development, informed the committee there will be no additional disturbance within the riparian assessment area as the development will take place on areas that have already been impacted.
Electoral Area H (Bowser, Qualicum Bay, Deep Bay) director Stuart McLean supported the development permit application.
"This is the heart of the Whiskey Creek community," said McLean. "It's been sorely missed. It's the heart of the community. It's really the only commercial space in Whiskey Creek."
Electoral Area E (Nanoose Bay) director Bob Rogers said "it is a long-standing facility."
"And for someone who used to live in Port Alberni, anybody transiting the Island and going across Island on that road, frequently wanted to stop at this facility," said Rogers. "It was a shame to see it burned down. And what's proposed here I think is certainly an improvement. But I would suggest that with the convenience store that if they don't have a good Whiskey Creek ice cream facility in there that would be their detriment. But yes, certainly I support this. And it is something that the community will be glad to see back."
The EASC unanimously endorsed the development permit with variance application. It will now be forwarded to the RDN board for approval.
