Furniture manufacturing business looks to relocate to Castlegar.

Castlegar council endorsed a three-year temporary use permit for Kootenay Beds to operate light industrial furniture manufacturing at 2240 Sixth Ave; the permit is contingent on a complete building permit application and neighbour notification.

A former building supply site at 2240 Sixth Ave in Castlegar is set to host a furniture manufacturer on a trial basis. Castlegar city council endorsed a temporary use permit on Jan. 12 to allow industrial-light activity there for Kootenay Beds, a company now based in New Denver. The permit covers a three-year term and is intended to allow non-permitted uses to operate while a permanent zoning amendment is considered, city planner Sarah Martin said. The permit is conditional on the owner submitting a complete building permit application for tenant improvements. What we know: - Council endorsed a temporary use permit (TUP) for Kootenay Beds to operate at 2240 Sixth Ave for a three-year term. - The TUP allows non-permitted uses on a trial basis before a permanent zoning amendment is considered, as described by city staff. - Issuance of the permit is contingent on submission of a complete building permit application for tenant improvements to address building code and safety concerns. - The proposed lease area would use the older section of the multi-tenant building and would include an office, woodworking shop, finishing area and lumber storage. - Kootenay Beds is currently based in New Denver, has outgrown its existing site, and the owners have moved to the Castlegar area while securing a suitable location. - The city will notify property owners and tenants within 100 metres of the property in line with its development approval procedures and fees bylaw. Summary: If the permit proceeds, Kootenay Beds would set up manufacturing and related spaces in part of the building and the company has indicated potential staff growth from two toward possibly eight employees. The next steps include the submission and review of a complete building permit application and formal neighbour notification under the city's procedures.