Editor:
Although I agree with much of Kevin McDonald’s letter in the Dec. 7th edition of the Optimist, I need to point out some observation on the current proposal.
First, the proposal is much higher and denser than anything seen to date, and anything discussed in the open houses Century initiated. In the last such open house height was not even ‘on the table’ and in the previous open houses the predominant sentiment certainly did not anticipate this result.
The rendering and the scheme presented, in my opinion, shows little innovation and a surprisingly troubling’ building character’ for a redefinition of our Town Centre. The towers are simply not intriguing or attractive.
Currently Tsawwassen downtown is a 1960’s strip shopping Centre. Too much of the new scheme - especially on the crucial exposures on 56th Street and 12th Avenue - remains exactly that. It’s really two (conflicted) schemes, separated by the high street, one with considerable merit and the other less so. The ‘pedestrian environment’ along the crucial corner and the bulk of the edges is neither conducive to safety nor enjoyment, except in front of the library. For reference, simply walk along 56th Street today and what you see is what we get.
I know Century can do better. It often has, but this project is not currently the ‘vision’ Tsawwassen needs.
I support both significant height and density on this site, and as a statement of ‘intent’ this is very clear, but Century simply must do better.
Peter Dandyk
