Revelstoke’s core business community demonstrated their opposition to a proposed 11-store shopping development on the Trans-Canada on Wednesday Oct. 21, papering up their shops as a demonstration of what Revelstoke’s bleak future could look like, should the development go ahead.
Revelstoke Crossing is proposed for the empty lot near the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 23 North and has caused uproar over its application to council to add pharmacy and grocery to its allowed developments.
See the Revelstoke Mountaineer’s story on that decision here.
It’s these two additions, which are described as anchor tenants, that are causing controversy in the local community as it will likely add competition and local business owners believe it will take away their customers.
An online petition on Change.org has steadily grown signatures over the past few hours as it aims to get council to rethink their recent decision to allow these core uses to the proposed development’s zoning amendment.
Kristina Welch created the petition and it has already received support from local business owners such as Arleigh Garratt, owner of jewellery store Garnish.
The petition summary states why the inclusion of a grocery store is particularly concerning. “Grocery stores are ‘anchor’ services and are proven to alter the flow and pattern of people’s shopping habits,” it reads. “People that previously came to downtown Revelstoke for groceries and other services will now opt for the development on the highway, diverting traffic and spillover business away from our vital downtown businesses.”
The statement finishes by saying it wants council to revisit its decision with more research and input. “We want real representation rather than individual councilor [sic] speculation and guesswork. Our future is at stake!”
Steve Williams from Calgary commented on the petition stating he visits our town for his adventure lifestyle. “I love the character of the town and would hate to see the impact a large highway development would have on the downtown core. People travelling into the Modern or La Baguette, shopping at Coopers, etc. This could all be impacted by a development along the highway.”
Kyle Lamothe commented, “I moved away from a community that sold it’s soul for the all mighty dollar to Revelstoke for it’s charm. Let’s keep Revelstoke’s charm. We don’t need another giant gift shop catering to masses of tourists the way Banff/Canmore has.”
Check back to revelstokemountaineer.com for more to come as this story develops.
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