Contamination cleanup clears way for new building
Site of former gas station on Whyte Avenue needs rezoning
After sitting unused and unkempt more than 15 years, a former gas station site on Whyte Avenue is set for redevelopment if a rezoning application is approved.
The Esso station at 105th Street closed in 1998 and, after a years-long decontamination process, the Calgary-based developer that now owns the multimillion dollar property wants to erect a six-storey, multi-use building.
However, Wexford Development Corp. must first succeed in getting the site rezoned, as only a four-storey building is currently permitted for the site.
The plan appears to have the support of local organizations such as the Old Strathcona Community League and the Old Strathcona Business Association.
Murray Davison, executive director of the business group, said Wexford’s proposal would see a twostorey podium for retail and professional services, topped by apartments on the upper levels.
“We’re really excited to see the development going forward but it all hinges on the rezoning right now,” he said.
The proposed building would maintain a “historic look and feel and vibe” that would tie in with other buildings in the district, he said.
“We need something on that side of the street. It’s right in the core of our historic area so it will be nice to have that developed and utilized properly,” he said. “It’s just a great opportunity.”
A public meeting on the proposal will be held June 18 at 7 p.m. at the Strathcona Community League Hall. The application will go to the city in the fall.
The site was formerly owned by Imperial Oil. It was contaminated by fuel that leaked from underground tanks, which led to
“It’s just a great opportunity.” Mu r r ay Da v ison, Old Strathcona Business Association
a slow remediation process to clean the soil.
In 2002, a substantial amount of contaminated soil was taken from the site. But cleanup wasn’t completed until 2012 and the site went up for sale a few months later.
Imperial Oil sold nine sites in Edmonton between 2007 and 2012.
Senior city planner Peter Odinga said the site has been remediated and the city is checking to ensure the work was done properly.
He’s happy the site might finally be developed after being empty for years.
“We’re absolutely delighted. We want to achieve that goal, obviously, to fill in the missing gap in the (Whyte Avenue) smile,” he said.
“If we get a mixed-used development that fits very much into our goals and objectives.”