29 and 36-storey towers proposed for Sunset Drive

It’s high time Sunset Drive was developed with more skyscrapers, Coun. Luke Stack says.

City council agreed Monday to advance plans for towers of 29 and 36 storeys at the corner of Sunset and Water Street to a public hearing.

“We’ve been waiting many years for this street to develop and bring forth its potential,” Stack said. “I’m very supportive of moving this forward.”

The project would be constructed on a long-vacant site where other development proposals have been announced, but never built.

For years, it had a large earth mound, placed there to compact watery soils and make them suitable for construction. Hobos often built ramshackle encampments at the top of the mound, sparking complaints to bylaw and police.

“This is an exciting first step for a prominent piece of land where all residents have waited a long time to see something happen,” Mayor Colin Basran said.

Coun. Charlie Hodge was the only one to express any reservations about the development proposal, noting the specific issue for council on Monday was whether to advance the plan to a public hearing.

Still to be discussed even if the necessary rezoning is ultimately approved, Hodge noted, were the developers request for a significant height variance to accommodate the planned towers.

“We’re not approving a 36-storey tower today,” Hodge said.

The project, by North American Development Group, would include 399 suites in the two slender towers, two swimming pools, sports courts, a dog park and a public daycare.

“This site warrants a significant development proposal,” Adam Cseke, a municipal planner, told council in offering staff’s support for advancing the project to a public hearing.