City council on Monday gave the go-ahead for a development permit to allow for the partial demolition and renovation of an existing commercial building in a prominent location of Ladner Village.
Located at the intersection of Elliot Street, Arthur Drive and Ladner Trunk Road, at the entrance to the village, the commercial site at 5097 47A Avenue will see a single-storey building demolished and retention and renovation of a two-storey portion of the commercial structure.
The two-storey building was built in 1907 but was not included in Delta's Urban Heritage Inventory or on the Delta Heritage Register due to past alterations and additions.
The Stokes and Cull building served as a butcher shop both under the original owners and then various owners until the early 1970s.
The heritage look will be restored with the later addition being removed and restoration of the original building.
Council also agreed the city should enter into a statutory right of way agreement with the owner, the Lowe family, to allow the development of a plaza over a portion of the property where the addition is to be removed.
A staff report notes the owner wants to retain ownership of that portion, but the city has already entered into discussions.
The Lowes have offered Delta a public right of way for use of the area at the cost of $1, the report notes.
The report also notes that Ladner Village has always been a special place, recognized as a jewel that many like to visit for its historic roots, quaint shopping, and connections to the fishing and farming community.
“The Lowes' family commitment to the revitalization of the historic Stokes and Cullis building adds to Delta's Foundation for the Future. The introduction of a public plaza at this prominent location will welcome visitors and locals alike to this special village shopping experience, supporting the Community Economic Sustainability pillar. A vibrant plaza at this corner not only welcomes people to the community, it provides for a social and recreation gathering space supporting the Recreation and Community pillar,” the report adds.
The report also notes that the publicly accessible plaza is estimated to cost approximately $200,000.
Funding from a portion of an estate bequest is available for use in Ladner and is included in the 2021 Financial Plan.
The estimated annual operating cost of the plaza is anticipated to be approximately $15,000.
