Kamloops City Councillors have approved a development permit for a new car wash at the site of the former Greyhound bus station in Sahali.

The property at 725 Notre Dame Drive has been home to the 50-bed Merit Place shelter since Feb. 2022.

The City’s Development, Engineering, and Sustainability Director Marvin Kwiatkowski says the developers plan to move ahead with the project once the existing shelter lease expires in 2025.

“The plan would be in two years time to remove the existing buildings on the property and then construct the proposed car wash,” he told council Tuesday. “The plan would be to leave the western part of the property to be developed in the future as well.”

The approval from City Council came without much fanfare. Just one question was asked during Tuesday’s council meeting. Councillor Nancy Bepple inquired if were any treatment requirements for wastewater from the car wash before it went into city sewers.

“The main requirements in our bylaw in regards to waste disposal is basically to do with the chemicals that are within the wastewater, not the volume itself,” Kwiatkowski responded. “We do have requirements in there as far as what cannot be disposed of in our sewer system.”

“Most of these newer car washes, they recirculate and treat much of the water, so there is not as much waste as typically happened in older car washes. That is always a positive. They don’t use as much water. Of course, the water is metered. They pay a lot for the water, so they’re trying to minimize the cost on that front.”

Kwiatkowski also noted the applicant – Langley-based Zen Group Inc. – will also be paying to build a new sidewalk along Laval Crescent as part of this development.

“Zen Group has engaged Sahuri + Partners Architecture to provide schematic design and high-level planning services,” the company website said. “Plainsman Companies, a local General Contractor, are providing budgeting and design support to the project team.”

“The anticipated development will include industrial, and mixed-use commercial structures over multiple project phases. The development will align closely with the City of Kamloops’ Official Community Plan, while supporting the operational requirements of the Carwash Canada Company brand.”