Bonnie Doon mall set for 30-year overhaul

Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre is facing a major overhaul that will include building high-density housing, shops and improved connections to a nearby Valley Line LRT station.

While few details about the proposal have been released, a rezoning document submitted to the city in December by facility owner Morguard Investments Ltd. says development of the 12-hectare site will help Edmonton’s plans for more sustainable growth.

The scheme, expected to roll out over the next 30 years, will feature a variety of medium- and high-density housing, local and regional retail opportunities, enhanced connections to the Bonnie Doon LRT station and a possible future LRT, as well as parks and open spaces.

The mall, at the corner of 82 Avenue and 83 Street, opened in 1958 as Edmonton’s second shopping centre, but lost major tenants in recent years with the closure of Sears and Target, which is now used for a Stitches Factory Outlet.

An open house at La cite francophone is scheduled for Jan. 30 to discuss the project. Morguard officials couldn’t be reached for comment.

Coun. Ben Henderson, who represents the area, said Thursday that Safeway and other mall stores are important to many people in the community and he doubts the entire centre will be demolished.

He’d like seniors housing constructed on what he calls a “prime site” for such accommodation.

“That really is the perfect transit-oriented development location ... There’s lots of land … away from single-family housing.”