the Town of Smithers has received a Development Variance Permit (DVP) application for 3892 Third Avenue. BC Housing is proposing to operate a 24‑hour shelter facility as part of the Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) initiative, commencing on October 1, 2026, for a maximum term of three years. The proposed development must comply with all the Town of Smithers Bylaws, including the off-site works and off-site parking requirements. As part of the subject DVP application, the applicant is requesting to vary the following:
- Section 3.4, Subdivision Servicing and Development Standards Bylaw No. 1800, exempting the proposed development from all off‑site works requirements;
- Section 2.9.2 (c) Zoning Bylaw No. 1987, varying the maximum height permitted in the commercial zone from 2.5 m (8.2’) to 3.66 m (12’); and
- Section 2.10 Zoning Bylaw No. 1987, exempting the proposed development from complying with off‑street parking design & construction, landscaping, and maintenance requirements other than those pertaining to functionality and public / user safety.
At its Regular Meeting on Tuesday July 14, 2026, beginning at 6:30 p.m., Smithers Town Council will consider the subject application. Anyone who believes they will be affected by the proposed variance is invited to submit written comments regarding the variance requested. All written submissions to be included on the Council meeting agenda must be submitted either in person at the Town Office or via email at general@smithers.ca, and received before 01:00 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026. The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at the Town Hall, 1027 Aldous Street, Smithers, BC, and Facebook livestreamed at: www.facebook.com/TownofSmithers/
The relevant background information is available online at www.smithers.ca or at the Town Office (1027 Aldous Street) Monday to Friday, excluding holidays, between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For further information or questions on the application, please contact Development Services Department at (250) 847-1600, or dchandran@smithers.ca.
Background Information: