A significant proposed development that will bring 216 residential units to downtown’s Hunter Place will be undergoing a public hearing at the beginning of next month.
On Feb. 1, council cast a divided 5-2 vote in favour of passing second reading for a rezoning application for 1100, 1120, and 1140 Hunter Place, by Nesters Market.
The proponent, Hunter Place Developments, which is spearheaded by Paul and Mike Bosa, is separate from Bosa Properties and is not part of the Bosa development family.
The developer for this project is looking to change the split-zoned C-4 and I-1 commercial and light industrial land into a CD-99, or comprehensive development zone.
This would allow for the creation of a five-building complex — each building at six storeys — that would include a mix of condo units and employment space for the area.
There would be 5,895 square metres — 63,461 square feet — of commercial floor space.
It would be accompanied by 274 residential parking spaces and 121 commercial parking spots. Finally, there would be close to 600 bike parking spaces.
Mayor Karen Elliott and councillors John French, Chris Pettingill, Armand Hurford and Jenna Stoner supported second reading, thereby triggering a public hearing.
Councillors Eric Andersen and Doug Race voted against that motion.
Since the project’s last appearance in October last year, the developer made several changes to the plan to address points that elected officials raised at that meeting.
This time, the proposal returned several new features.
This includes green renewable energy for commercial space; a promise that the 25 affordable residential units will be the same size as their market counterparts; that 20% of both market and affordable units will be three bedrooms, among other things.
District planner Jesse Fletcher said that a traffic study has been completed and forwarded for approval to the Ministry of Transportation.
The provincial government ministry needs to sign off on the project because of its proximity to the highway.
“The traffic impact assessment demonstrates the additional volume generated by the development does not have a significant impact on district intersection volumes,” Fletcher said.
She noted that traffic volume downtown would increase over time, but the proposed Pemberton bridge, which will offer another entry to downtown, is expected to alleviate much of the volume.
Separate from this development, a second access point to downtown via a bridge connecting the highway to Pemberton Avenue has been discussed for years.
Coun. John French said he supported second reading, and the owner of the property has paid attention to council’s previous concerns.
Elliott noted the family-friendly units, affordable units and electrification versus gas.
She said she accepted delaying the proposed childcare centre from the first phase of construction so it could be housed later in a larger facility.
Elliott said she appreciated the addition of covered bike spaces, and bike parking for the office building to encourage active transportation.
“I look forward to hearing the public’s comments in public hearing,” she said.
Andersen said he did not support the motion because of issues around the proposed Pemberton bridge and the rail crossing.
“I’m concerned there’s a lack of mention of the railway crossing closure option and an accurate account of its rationale, according to the neighbours,” said Andersen.
“The key purpose of an alternate access route to east Pemberton via Hunter Place is not only to address increased traffic at Pemberton and alleviate turning at the east end of Pemberton, but to address the advantages and opportunities to closing the Pemberton rail crossing.”
Race agreed that there was a missed opportunity to close the rail crossing with this project.
He also said there was a lost chance to close Pemberton Avenue to vehicle traffic.
Previously, council floated the idea of shutting down vehicle traffic on the stretch of Pemberton Avenue closest to the development.
However, this time, a staff report said converting it to a woonerf — a road that is designed to slow traffic and equally accommodate pedestrian, cycling and vehicle moments — would be better.
Race also recalled the developer will be funding improvements to the rail crossing, but said he’d rather see it spent on a different amenity.
The public hearing will occur on March 1 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers and hosted virtually on WebEx’s online platform.
