Final approval granted for vertical multigenerational community
LONDON: A seniors community will be created within a multigenerational housing, retail, arts and plaza project on a regeneration site.
“When this first came to council about four years ago. … I was floored by how many different uses are on this site,” Coun. Amy Lubik said. “I think it’s a really wonderful example of what can be accomplished.
She said studies have shown social inclusion is directly correlated to diverse uses on a property.
“The high percentage of rental — it’s over our inclusionary zoning — so much seniors housing, family friendly housing, arts, plazas.”
Other councillors and members of the public offered similar praise.
The project includes three towers containing an art theatre and studios, seniors care facilities and housing, space for retail, light industrial and offices, a grocery store and possibly even a hotel.
When completed, approximately 500 residential units and 585 jobs will be created in the city.
The site — just over an average city block in size — is in the 2100 block of Vinter Street, adjacent to the Barnet Highway and just north of Clarke Street.
Applicant Andrew Peller Limited, a large wine producer, has been trying to upzone the industrial land to allow increased density since 2016.
The first phase will add nearly 266,000 square feet of residential and commercial space, approximately 37 per cent of the project total.
A 31-storey tower will have 263 strata condo units and 16 market rental units. A four-storey art centre building will have a new theatre, office and child-care spaces. And a four-storey artist village will feature 10 live-work units for artists, more than half of which will be offered at below-market rates.
Coun. Callan Morrison said the 12,000 square foot theatre, which contains 350 seats, will make a major impact on arts in the city.
He said members of the theatre community have said the 150-seat Inlet Theatre doesn’t have the capacity to host a financially viable production.
“I just want to say that I’m very excited about this project. It’s been a long time coming,” Morrison said. “This is going to be awesome for our arts community.”
The second phase of development will add another 460,700 square feet of mixed-use space. It will include a public plaza, a 21-storey tower with rental housing, office space, an athletic club and grocery store, a 12-storey tower with seniors housing and care facilities, retail and light industrial, and a six-storey building with medical clinic space, ground retail and even hotel space.
The developer has signed housing agreements with the city ensuring subsidized artist studios and rental housing stays in place for the life of the building. Two more housing agreements will be required for the second phase.
Other agreements have been signed which will transfer a portion of South Schoolhouse Creek to the city for rehabilitation.
The company will also relocate the Trans Canada Trail from the west side of Douglas Street to the east side of the site to avoid traffic conflicts.
A public art installation worth at least $500,000 will be created on site, and the developer has committed to prepare a public art plan.
