A planning document shows the proposed site for a car wash (in white), which received approval for a development permit at Red Deer city council's meeting on Sept. 14, 2020. (City of Red Deer)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

applicant gets the go-ahead

Larger than expected car wash approved for Clearview Market

Sep 14, 2020 | 4:12 PM

A new car wash can now be built in Clearview Market despite a seemingly large variance required for its development permit.

City council unanimously approved the permit, with variance request, on Monday. It had also supported by administration.

The car wash is proposed for 60 Calder Street, with council needing to approve development permits where a variance above 10 per cent is requested.

The variance in this case is 49.7 per cent, which would give the building a 721.5 square metre footprint. Under the approved design package, the building’s footprint should only be 482 square metres.

The reasoning for the variance was due to a change in the proposed tenant, with new tenant, Smartwash, putting forth a larger than anticipated business model.

Last seen Nov. 28

Missing: Jimmy Eagle, 27, of Maskwacis

14h ago

the situation is dire

Two deaths, possibly from cold exposure, raise alarm amid Red Deer shelter situation and plight of homeless community

Dec 12, 2025

Lace-'Em Up!

Red Deer's outdoor rinks returning for another season

Dec 12, 2025

“There is definitely some change when it comes to a proposed development; when it’s proposed and the conceptual design. Each site is unique in requiring a variance. Where 49.7 per cent may seem large in terms of numbers, it doesn’t affect the functionality of this site,” explained Beth McLachlan, senior development officer.

“They’re still providing the parking, their queue line and their building footprint. So 49.7 (per cent) is acceptable in our opinion, in this case, but may not be acceptable elsewhere.”

McLachlan noted there is no residential which the property backs onto, meaning noise is not as big of a concern as it otherwise would be. It was also noted that the exterior and aesthetics of the building are not expected to look industrial in nature.

Approval hinges on several conditions being met by Karl Toth, who is the applicant.

The applicant must repair or reinstate any public property, street furniture, curbing, landscaping and tree planting to its original condition. The applicant shall also submit updated civil engineering drawings, as well as a revised plan for removal of the Schubert Chokecherry tree species that will be replaced with something more suitable.

The development permit is good for one year before it would have to be re-issued.