The Canmore Planning Commission has approved a development permit to improve the façade of a building on Main Street considered by many to be an eyesore.
The former SAAN building, which has been vacant since 2008, will see the exterior greatly improved as it is turned into the Sunrise Business Centre.
Assistant development planner Patrick Sorfleet detailed the application to the commission on Jan. 24 without any variances requested.
“This application is for a façade improvement and façade improvement only, there are no changes of use proposed,” he said. “The proposed site design is essentially unchanged with this improvement.”
Because the building is in the town centre district of the land use bylaw, Sorfleet said it must comply with the district requirements and the architectural and design guidelines.
He said the changes would bring the building more into conformance with the bylaw.
The roof forms on the front and back of the building are proposed to be pitched while the roof itself is to remain flat.
“The front and rear of the building essentially camouflage that roof,” he said, adding it would also encroach onto the town sidewalk and an agreement would need to be entered into under the council encroachment policy.
Sorfleet said the applicant, Stavro Melathopoulos Architect, on behalf of owner Glacier Holdings Ltd., has requested movement of a tree be part of the application.
“Administration has spoken with engineering and engineering is amenable to moving that tree, however, all costs must be born by the developer and be under warranty for two years,” he said.
There is no change to parking requirements and garbage will be located at a shared facility with the nearby Quarry Restaurant.
CPC is made up of chair Andre Lomas, vice chair David Moe, Ian Slater and Councillor Gordie Miskow.
