Kamloops City Council will once again gauge public opinion on a proposal for a three-storey building on a lot at 520 Lorne Street, to the east of the historic CN Railway station downtown.

Development Director Marvin Kwiatkowski says the proposal is to build two residential units as well as a commercial space, which is intended to be used as a restaurant or a cafe.

“This property has come before council for a very similar type of application, most recently in 2023,” Kwiatkowski said during the Feb. 6 City Council meeting.

“The application was denied by council for numerous reasons. They have come back with more engagement with the residents so they conducted different surveys to address some of the concerns.”

Kwiatkowski says those changes include a reduction of the overall roof height by 1.5 metres. He also says the new building “better aligns” with the appearance of the former train station so it can “better integrate with the surrounding neighbourhood.”

“They have changed the exterior facade somewhat,” Kwiatkowski said. “There were also concerns with the windows that faced south into the existing multi-family development being rather large. They’ve reduced the size of those to make it fit into the neighbourhood.”

“They also adjusted the roof peaks so that its basically a uniform peak that is more historic looking. They changed the finish of the roof as well to include dark shingles to match as well the station.”

As was the case last year, Kwiatkowski said the developers are seeking a variance as the plan does not have sufficient parking attached, though it is located next to a city-owned parking lot, which has approximately 175 spaces.

He says the City will collect $24,000 – $6,000 per stall – to cut that parking requirement, with that money going to a reserve fund intended to support the implementation of the Kamloops Pedestrian Master Plan.

#Kamloops City staff say the proposal has been revised to reflect those concerns raised last year.

They say the applicants have reduced the height of the roof and better aligned the development with the CN Train station to “better integrate” with the surrounding neighbourhood. pic.twitter.com/rxE7Owk99e

— Victor Mario Kaisar (@supermario_47) February 7, 2024

Kamloops councillors voted in favour of moving ahead with plans, which will return to City Hall for more debate and possible approval.

In June last year, City Council approved a development permit for a mixed-use building at 430 Lorne Street. This two-storey  building between the CN Station and Sandman Centre is expected to include office space on ground and second floor and a three-bedroom apartment on the second floor.

The CN Train station has been home to the Twisted Steak restaurant since the fall of 2022, after plans to turn it into a craft distillery were derailed by COVID-19.