A local gas station was given the right of way to construct their second entryway so its customers can turn left or right back onto the city’s streets after fuelling up.
Fort St John city council hosted the public hearing on the evening of Aug. 25. After no comments were submitted by residents, the council voted unanimously in favour of granting the amendment to the Fort St John Co-Operative Association gas station, who operate the Co-Op gas station on 100 Street.
Co-Op gas began this project in November of last year, when they initially agreed to have the entrance restricted to right-in-right-out. The company has not yet broken ground on the project, thus, they were able to apply for a bylaw amendment to their initial zoning agreement.
Their new project will bring two retail units, including a drive through restaurant, additional outdoor seating, walking paths, and a new car wash to the gas station – initially the new exit was limited because of concerns for pedestrian safety, but the company provided a traffic impact study to the city. After staff reviewed the study, they determined there would be no actual impact if left turns were allowed at the to-be-installed entryway.
The new amenities will be on the lot adjacent to the current gas station.
City staff’s report to council ahead of their first reading of this bylaw amendment said the gas station is a popular spot for people who live in the area to visit on foot, and including additional space for residents will increase the walkability of the area.
After opening the floor to feedback, and receiving none from members of the public, acting mayor Sarah MacDougall asked the councillors to vote, and the amendment to allow left turns when exiting was unanimously passed.
