The town of Rocky Mountain House has updated its Community Standards Bylaw, which includes measures to address the appearance of unsightly or unoccupied buildings, regardless of their location.
One change requires business owners to install a ‘window covering’ on unoccupied buildings, which is defined as any covering that makes them appear occupied or more aesthetically pleasing.
This update provides flexibility, as the previous term ‘window wrap’ can pertain to more comprehensive, often professionally-installed coverings that are mentioned in the town’s Storefront Improvement Program.
“We want to make sure we have our businesses looking as aesthetically pleasing as possible,” says Rocky Mountain House Acting Mayor Len Phillips. “But we didn’t want to put an onerous amount of money onto the businesses to do that.”
Another amendment allows properties to be deemed unsightly or untidy, regardless of whether the condition is visible from a public space or roadway.
A third amendment requires unoccupied buildings to be secured against unauthorized use. For example, residential buildings may cover doors with a solid piece of wood or other suitable material, provided it is securely fitted within the frame.
For commercial areas, owners must ensure the building appears occupied and enhances the streetscape.
Penalties for noncompliance include a fine of $150 for the first offence, $250 for the second, and $350 for the third. However, Phillips says the first step is to always make sure businesses owners are aware, and have had a chance to be compliant in a timely manner.
When the bylaw was first discussed in February, Coun. Ken Moesker raised the issue of the destroyed building that housed Paradise Day Spa on Main St. The building, destroyed by fire in April 2024, remains vacant. CAO Dean Krause said he would investigate the matter.
In a 2024 interview with 94.5 Rewind Radio News, Kristin Muyres, a stylist at Paradise Day Spa said the business would try to reopen at its Main St. location, but said it may take some time to get back there.
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