Edmonton planning officials are saying no way to a dungeon for rent in the city’s south side.

Alt.Space and Kink Store – a play space, manufacturing shop and retail outlet for an alternative sexual community – has been operating on 70th Avenue, just west of 99 Street since June.

Their dungeon for rent has spanking benches and crosses, their shop has floggers and paddles, and they also offer lectures and seminars on subjects from erotic wax to rope torture for consenting adults.

But they do not have a valid development permit or business licence.

Alt.Space applied for the development permit July 28. The city asked for more information, and the business never replied. When news of the new shop went public late August and angry calls lit up the planners’ phone lines, they reviewed the application and decided it really doesn’t fit in a medium industrial zone.

“We can’t make a moral judgement. We just evaluate it based on use,” said Gail Hickmore, city’s general supervisor for development approvals.

They determined Alt.Space and the Kink Store to be a mix of commercial school, creation and production establishment, general retail store and indoor participant recreation service.

That would fit in most zones, such as commercial or light industrial. But the spot, the former Expressionz Café, which had its own battles with zoning authorities, is marked medium industrial.

“Also,” said Hickmore, “it’s deficient 32 parking spaces.”

Alt.Space can appeal the decision to the subdivision and development appeal board. Hickmore said if the board upholds the city’s decision, then Alt.Space will be asked to leave.

“Basically, we’ll wait for the written SDAB decision to come down,” Hickmore said. “I’m sure this woman has put a lot of money into this business but unfortunately, she didn’t do her homework.”

Reached Friday, shop co-owner Nikki Uhryn said she’s consulting with a lawyer.

“We’ll be making an appeal, if possible,” she added, declining to comment further until she gets legal advice.

When interviewed in August, Uhryn said her industry struggles with a stigma.

“We are a legitimate business and we want to be a change for the better in the industry,” she said then. “Sex doesn’t have to be scary. Sex doesn’t have to be something you do by the light of the pink doggie clock on Thursday nights only.”

estolte@edmontonjournal.com

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