Despite a change to a rooftop viewing platform and a few other small changes, Comox council has voted to proceed with the design of a marine services building.
At a council meeting in May, council voted in favour to support a new building floor layout and that a cost estimate based on the new design be brought to council for consideration and approval.
In November 2020, the town submitted a grant application to the Comox Valley Economic Recovery Task Force for the construction of the building. In a report to council in March 2021, Jordan Wall, Comox’s chief administrative officer noted the marine services building budget is set at $1.2M, with one million funded from grants.
During a meeting in April, council reviewed the original design of the building and made a handful of requests, including to increase the number of gender-neutral/accessible washrooms; remove the change rooms; increase the size of the building and investigate the potential for a flat top viewing platform.
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In his report to council, Wall explained two metres of length have been added in addition to a gender-neutral bathroom; change rooms have been removed; the retail space has been increased from 604 sq ft to 920 sq ft and a visitor information kiosk has been added.
He added in consultation with the Building and Safety Standards Branch, a flat rooftop viewing platform could not be included in the building unless universal access was provided.
“This would require upgrades outside of the budget of the building and as such, it is recommended to discontinue the option,” he noted.
The town plans to issue an expression of interest as a next step to gauge the level of interest in retail space and potential rental rates for the building.
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