The developer behind the major redevelopment of Columbia Square Plaza is inviting community members to share their thoughts about the project at its upcoming open house or online.
In a notice to residents living around the site at 88 10th St., EDGAR Development said it had submitted a rezoning application to city hall in the spring of 2023 and held a preliminary engagement event in June 2023 to share its vision for the site.
“Since June 2023, our proposal has been updated based on changes to policy and input from city staff, council, and the community,” said the notice. “We want to share these updates with you and invite you to join us at an open house.”
The open house regarding the Columbia Square project is on Wednesday, June 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. The drop-in event is taking place in the Columbia Square Community Space (#103 – 78 10th St.)
“The open house will be a drop-in event with display boards providing information on the updated proposal,” said the notice. “The applicant team will be on hand to answer questions and receive feedback.”
Community members can provide feedback by filling out a comment form at the open house or by filling out a comment form on the project website.
In late May, city council received an introductory report about the project for the downtown site, which is envisioned to accommodate six to eight towers and provide about 4,000 units and 7,250 residents. (In lieu of on-site affordable housing, a density bonus charge will be applied to the site that can be used to create affordable housing elsewhere in the city.)
The project proposes a mix of retail, office and residential units at grade and includes space for a child-care centre. About 700 rental units will be provided in the development.
In May, council voted 4-2 in support of a resolution directing staff to work with the applicant to create an appropriate zoning amendment bylaw for council’s consideration in 2024. Councillors Tasha Henderson and Nadine Nakagawa voted against the motion, with both having expressed concerns the current proposal does not include any affordable housing units on this site.
May’s update to council said an “expedited timeline” is being taken for the project, which allows council to consider third reading of a basic zoning amendment bylaw in 2024. That report includes a timeline related to consideration of the project, with city-led consultation proposed for September and council consideration of first and second readings of zoning amendment bylaw in October 2024.
