Imagine Metrotown in South Delta.
That's basically the scale of a commercial development planned at the Tsawwassen First Nation, which held an open house Wednesday evening for the public to learn more about a pair of major shopping centre proposals.
The event at the TFN's recreation centre had maps depicting the scale of the development, a plan that would radically alter the local landscape.
The TFN Economic Development Corporation announced last year it had entered into a memorandum of agreement with Ivanhoe Cambridge and Property Development Group to develop 1.8 million square feet of shopping and office space just off Highway 17 at 52nd Street. The 180-acre site had been part of the Agricultural Land Reserve but was pulled out when it became part of the TFN's treaty settlement lands.
Ivanhoe Cambridge's project would comprise 1.2 million square feet of destination retail and entertainment space. Named Tsawwassen Mills, it would follow the model of the huge CrossIron Mills mall north of Calgary and Vaughan Mills north of Toronto.
Property Development Group is proposing to develop an outdoor retail mall called Tsawwassen Commons.
Tsawwassen Mills would have approximately 17 "major retailers" and over 175 "smaller retail shops, a food court, and retail kiosks," according to the TFN. The enclosed mall would be designed "around B.C. themes, including a distinct Coast Salish component."
There have been rumours big box outlets like Walmart will locate there, but in a recent interview, John Scott, vice-president of new development at Ivanhoe Cambridge, said it's too early make any announcements regarding tenants.
"Typically our Mills centres, we refer to it as a hybrid centre, is very different than a traditional retail shopping centre," said Scott. "It's really a hybrid of anchor tenants that are non-traditional. You won't find a full-line department store, for instance, as an anchor tenant. It has a high proportion of the retail being outlet, or value priced. Again, very different, but it won't be all outlet. It will be a mix of regular retail and outlet retail with an entrainment component, including restaurants."
Scott described the shopping centre as both "destination" and "unique" to the market.
Tsawwassen Commons, meanwhile, would have 550,000 square feet of retail space. It would "include three major retail operators, and about eight medium-sized retail stores and approximately 12 smaller-sized locations suitable for restaurants, financial services and smaller boutique stores."
TFN members were taken on a tour this week of the Eagle Landing Shopping Centre at the Squiala First Nation in Chilliwack. A Property Development Group project, that development is a 650,000-square-foot "destination power centre and retail village" anchored by Walmart, Home Depot and Cineplex/Galaxy Theatres.
According to the company, upon full completion and build-out in 2013, Eagle Landing is to be "the dominant retailing centre for Chilliwack and the surrounding, extended trade area."
Responding to concerns about the impact the two major malls would have on South Delta retailers, the TFN notes market research has shown developments of this size and format attract new shoppers to an area as the community becomes a shopping destination.
The creation of significant retail and mixed use developments supports the TFN's goal of a sustainable economy for its community. The economic development corporation notes the project would create numerous benefits for TFN members, such as the creation of sustainable revenues, employment opportunities, business and skills training, and the honouring of TFN culture through building design.
Coun. Sylvia Bishop, who attended Wednesday's open house, said residents she's talked to expressed various concerns, traffic being one of the biggest.
As far as traffic impacts, the First Nation says a study will identify what road improvements will be needed, but it's already expected upgrades to Highway 17 and local roads will be required. All road improvements are to be completed prior to the shopping centre's grand opening in 2015.
TFN members will vote on the proposal, which doesn't require Delta's approval, Jan. 18.
The mall projects will change the face of South Delta, but even more is in store with industrial and housing developments planned for the TFN, not to mention Port Metro Vancouver's proposed Terminal 2 container port at Roberts Bank.
