An application to build what would be Delta's tallest building goes to a public hearing next Tuesday (Dec.
11).
Delta council recently gave preliminary approval to a proposed 37-storey high-rise by Marshall Mountain Homes Ltd., which would be constructed in North Delta at 1194180th Ave., near Scott Road.
Immediately south of the Delta Shoppers Mall, the mixed-use building would have commercial space on the bottom and up to 359 residential units above.
A year ago, council approved a five-storey mixed-use residential/commercial development for the site. Since then, there have been a number of changes, most notably the significant increase in building height.
The high-rise plan has gone through a number of recent revisions, including an increase from 302 units and height from 35 storeys. The latest proposal is for fewer residential units than the 359 that would be allowed under the bylaw, but gives the proponent "economic flexibility" to increase that number to the maximum if deemed necessary.
Coun. Bruce McDonald said he's concerned about the constant revisions and wants the community to know for sure what would be constructed.
"Maybe the cost benefit of the project comes up against the cost benefit of the community, and that's not good enough," he said.
Also concerned about the evolving modifications, Coun. Jeannie Kanakos wondered if the 577-squarefoot size of some of the living units is too small even for Deltans looking to downsize.
Coun. Scott Hamilton said he's less concerned about the size of the units, pointing out revisions to the Tsawwassen Springs development increased the number of condos while seeing a reduction in sizes.
Another high-rise development application has been proposed further up Scott Road at the North Delta Inn site. That application is still at the staff and civic advisory committee level.
Council recently approved a Scott Road revitalization bylaw aimed at encouraging higher density development along the corridor.
When asked if anything remotely similar as far as tall buildings has been pro-posed in either Ladner or Tsawwassen, deputy community planning director Marcy Sangret said there are no applications or inquiries.
Sangret said building heights are "community specific" and established through area plans. She also noted there may be geotechnical issues to consider.
The maximum building height in Tsawwassen, established through the area plan process, is six storeys.
That height is applicable to the town centre only.
The maximum allowable heights go down further out of the town core, although a developer can apply for a variance.
That was the case this year for the Century Group's Northgate project at the former Southpointe Academy site that includes a six-storey office building.
In Ladner, three to four storeys are currently permitted depending on the area.
As part of a Ladner downtown and waterfront revitalization plan, the municipality is looking at allowing an increase in building heights from two to two-and-a-half storeys on the north side (waterfront) of Chisholm Street and from two to four storeys on the south side of the street.
Tuesday's pubic hearing on the North Delta high-rise will take place at the Kennedy Seniors'
