Townhouse complex could replace Highland Motel
35-unit project proposed for Riverside Drive
There may be some new life to the old Highland Motel property that was destroyed by a fire last June.
A developer is proposing a 35-unit townhouse complex on the land located on Riverside Drive, Burnaby Ave., and Wylie Street. The development will utilize the motel site and a neighbouring campground.
In total, there would be seven threestorey buildings, each with a rooftop deck, plus an amenities building.
Each unit would have three bedrooms and 1,500 square feet of living space.
A public information session was held Nov. 29, which attracted 50 residents.
“We heard many positive comments with respect to its location, design and quality of the development,” director of development services Anthony Haddad told council, Tuesday.
The property will require minor road widening and one corner needs to be rounded in order to improve traffic flow. The bulk of the $800,000 cost will be absorbed by the developer, but a small portion may go to adjacent businesses that will directly benefit from the development.
Coun. Campbell Watt said he’d like to “hear from the owners directly.”
“I don’t think this needs to be shoved down everybody’s throats,” Watt said in an interview. “I’d prefer to get an actual commitment from the property owners who will benefit to say, ‘yes, we’re in,’ rather than go to a reverse petition.” Watt said he’s excited by the proposal. “I’m super happy to see that property getting cleaned up and it’s going to be put to such good use,” he said. “I’m glad that we’re putting so much effort into densifying people in the downtown and looking for a grocery store, but at the opposite end of town, we have all the services but not a lot of people.”
Details of the project are available on the city’s website.
Citizens will have the opportunity to comment on the development at a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 20 at city hall, beginning at 6 p.m.