The proposed Eagle Creek development in View Royal will go to public hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 4.
The first and second reading of the rezoning application for the project passed at the Nov. 6 council meeting.
Eagle Creek is a proposed commercial and residential development for 5.8 hectares of land at the corner of
Watkiss Way and Helmcken Way.
B次元官网网址淚 would like to firstly thank staff for a very quick turnaround on this,B次元官网网址 said project manager Peter Laughlin at the meeting. B次元官网网址淲e do recognize the challenges that they face. B次元官网网址 The effort is being made and it is recognized and is appreciated.B次元官网网址
There have been some changes in the planned development as the result of public input. Some of the buildings have been lowered in height in respect of residential views and one large building was split in two to allow a pedestrian corridor in the middle leading to a bus stop.
The north part of the site is to be dedicated as a public park and the developer also committed $1 million to the Town of View Royal after the rezoning has gone through. It has been suggested that that money could go towards the townB次元官网网址檚 proposed new fire hall.
Some councillors had concerns the wording of the rezoning would allow for a box-type grocery store to move into a building set aside for a supermarket.
Generally large businesses will not be allowed, but there is a stipulation in the bylaw to allow for a 40,000 square foot supermarket.
A tenant is in place, but remains confidential for business reasons. Director of development services Lindsay Chase suggested a covenant be included to make sure the grocery store cannot exceed a certain floor-space limit, which council agreed to.
Traffic impact has also been an issue throughout the process. Coun. David Screech, who has been adamant about improving traffic on Helmcken Road, asked again what plan is in place to calm traffic.
B次元官网网址淲e know, with respect, that itB次元官网网址檚 a problem and what IB次元官网网址檓 asking is what weB次元官网网址檙e going to do,B次元官网网址 Screech said. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 getting the distinct impression that really we have no plans to do anything to the traffic flow on that stretch of Helmcken.B次元官网网址
Mayor Graham Hill asked staff to prepare a report for committee of the whole to discuss the issue of traffic further. Laughlin said that his team would be able to work on the issue also. It was one reason the public hearing was pushed to Dec. 4.
A roundabout is being touted as a potential solution for the intersection on Watkiss Way where there is an entrance to Victoria General Hospital and Eagle Creek. A roundabout is also an option for the intersection of Watkiss and Helmcken.
The Ministry of Transportation will have to sign off on the project before approval.
A development permit is in the process of being applied for.