In a 4-3 vote on Monday, Delta council moved the idea of building a new hotel on city-owned land in Ladner Village to the next phase.
An Expression of Interest (EOI) will be issued to see who may be interested in developing the site to reflect the historic character of the area in the design and finishings.
Earlier this year, the city purchased land parcels at 4940 and 4946 Chisholm St. and 4926 Delta St., which when combined with land parcels the city already owns at 4918 Delta St. and 4952 and 4958 Chisholm St. created a 1.2-acre land assembly poised for redevelopment.
Staff had been gathering community feedback and the input gathered, along with the city’s requirements, was to inform the criteria that will be used to develop the EOI and evaluate the submissions.
The city earlier retained a consultant to investigate the feasibility of a hotel at the site, where a hotel stood a century ago, as part of an overall plan for revitalization, but a group of residents have been lobbying against the idea and submitted a petition.
A staff report, however, noted the community engagement found people were also excited about increasing the vibrancy of the area.
Noting the site has great potential, Coun. Dan Boisvert, who voted in favour, said it’s more ideal than simply building high-end condos, adding the same group opposed to a housing development at the Dunbar Lumber site are “flip-flopping” by saying housing is instead needed for the Chisholm Street site.
Opposed, Coun. Alicia Guichon countered revitalization can be achieved without a hotel.
Mayor George Harvie, who also voted in opposition, echoed that view, telling the Optimist too many in the community don’t like the idea and that housing would be a welcome addition.
He also said those he’s spoken with in the development industry had their doubts a hotel is viable.
Coun. Jessie Dosanjh also voted in opposition, while councillors Rod Binder, Dylan Kruger and Jennifer Johal also voted in favour.
