Rezoning clears path for short-term rental at south edge of Rosetown

By Ian MacKay

A proposal to convert a house at the south edge of town into a short-term rental property moved ahead last week after town council approved a zoning change.

Councillors gave second and third readings to a bylaw amendment rezoning the property from agricultural to C2 commercial during the April 6 meeting. No one spoke against the application at a public hearing earlier in the meeting.

A letter from Simplot, which owns the adjacent land to the south, stated developer Murray Silljer must arrange access from Highway 4, noting there is no legal right of way across Simplot property using the existing approach.

Silljer, who attended the meeting, said obtaining approval from the provincial Highways Department to build a new access road could take up to two years. He added he hopes to reach an agreement with Simplot to continue using the current road.

Silljer told council he has discussed plans for a major renovation with town administration and intends to upgrade the house for short-term accommodation. The project, to be called “The Stay,” would include beds in 10 existing rooms, with additional bedrooms planned in a converted garage.

Responding to a concern raised by councillor John Kadler, Silljer said nearby agricultural activities such as fertilizing and spraying are not expected to pose issues.

Silljer had previously told council in February he hoped to have the rental operating by May, pending approvals.