Rezoning for a eight-storey development that would transform the block south of Junction Park has cleared first reading at council.
The Plaza at Junction Park includes two residential towers on Cleveland Avenue between Main Street and Vancouver Street.
The first tower will be six storeys and the second will be eight storeys.
The majority of the building will be residential, but a quarter of the space, mostly on the ground floor, will be dedicated to commercial retail space and office space.
In total there will be 104 residential units, including 18 affordable units, 13 additional market rental units and 15 that meet the BC Building Code Adaptable Housing Standards for accessibility.
Public plazas, included as part of the community contributions, are proposed at the north and sound ends of the development and between the two towers.
“This is the first comprehensive building I’ve seen since the Cornerstone and I appreciate the amount of employment space that these buildings bring,” said Coun. Susan Chapelle.
“The fact that you can still sit on the patio at the brewpub and see the water, I appreciate. I think it’s completely supportable at first read, I’d definitely like to hear how the public feels about it,” she said.
Renderings provided by Solterrra Development show a modern white building with glass, light wood and dark grey accents. Extending in front of storefronts are patios with seating and small tables.
The former PacWest owned land is currently a vacant lot.
The current zoning on the land allows for a lower density, so council’s permission is required to allow the project. The change to the zoning passed first reading on April 3.
Coun. Ted Prior was the only member of council who voted against the motion.
“My fear is, perhaps we don’t really understand how big this building is,” he said. “I get beat up all the time on social media with some of the buildings that we’ve designed and passed. I stick up for everybody, but I have to say some of them haven’t been as good as I’ve hoped, when I look back on them.”
Prior said if council is going to pass big-impact projects, they should demand more amenities from the developer than what is currently on offer.
“I don’t think we’re getting enough amenities on this much of a change for this community,” he said.
Coun. Peter Kent said the developer is providing amenities required like affordable housing.
“I think this checks off most of the boxes. I think most of those boxes were pre designed by council themselves, so I will support this,” he said.
Mayor Patricia Heintzman said it was “in the ballpark” to support first reading, but she also had concerns about amenities.
The building will be across the street from The Main, a six storey Gravitas project currently under construction that will also have a mix of commercial on the ground level and residential condos.
The project will require a public information session and a public hearing to get the community’s feedback before final approvals.
