Louis Street urban park work likely now to start in spring

Construction on the urban park in the former Louis Street parking lot originally planned to begin this fall is now expected to begin next spring, the city announced Thursday.

That will give time to meet requirements from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for the change in use of the property.

The $6-million project calls for a pond a skating rink in winter, green space, a portable stage and new space for the farmers’ market, as well as a six-storey building to house washrooms, a park attendant and residential and/or commercial space.

The city is seeking a publicprivate partnership for part of the property that could see a partner build the washroom, office and storage space in exchange for acquiring property for potential commercial and residential space next to the park, officials stated.

Residential uses on the property would be a change of use, leading to additional requirements from the ministry, which is now conducting soil testing at the site.

“Encouraging the construction of new residential units next to the urban park would increase the activity in the park and help create new units in our housing market,” director of planning and development services Jeffrey Humble stated in a release.

“As part of the agreement, the private sector partner would provide public facilities – washroom and storage space, for example – to support the operation of the park.”

A request for proposals will be issued to seek submissions from parties interested in a partnership that would add a residential development next to the park, officials stated.

Converting the former parking lot into a space for community activities, an outdoor skating rink in the winter and water features in the summer is expected to stimulate new private investment in residential and commercial development in the area.

The project feeds into the greater Charlotte Street reconstruction, with a total value of about $38 million. That development, as well as the nearby Bethune Street redevelopment are both due to begin in 2020.

The former Shish-Kabob Hut restaurant on King Street was demolished last December as part of the project. Further work had ceased this year because of the province’s requirements.