A developer proposing to build a towering hotel along 麻豆精选鈥檚 waterfront has been given a second chance by city council.
Edmonton-based developer WestCorp initially had its plans for a 33-storey hotel along Water Street approved on Feb. 20, 2018.
Nearing the two-year mark and expiration of the development permit, the proposal made its way back to city council on Tuesday evening, where council granted another permit.
A few tweaks were made to the proposal, including a 5-metre height reduction, increased amount of parking stalls and an increased number of both hotel rooms and residential units.
鈥淲ith projects of this size and complexity, it鈥檚 not uncommon for things to take time,鈥� said WestCorp鈥檚 Gail Temple.
All but one on councillor voted in favour of the project, with Coun. Charlie Hodge again finding himself the only one in opposition. Councillors Brad Sieben, Maxine DeHart and Ryan Donn were not present for the vote.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a marvellous looking building 鈥� there鈥檚 no question about it,鈥� said Hodge. 鈥淏ut I have been opposed to this proposal for a number of years now. As much as I think it鈥檚 a beautiful building, it鈥檚 in the wrong location.鈥�
Hodge continued, saying the project will have a significant impact on 麻豆精选鈥檚 downtown core but the negatives outweigh the positives.
鈥淚 hope I鈥檓 wrong, but to be consistent with what I鈥檝e been from the beginning I cannot support this project,鈥� he said.
Hodge鈥檚 colleagues lauded the building鈥檚 design, speaking of the vibrancy it will bring to downtown 麻豆精选.
鈥淚 supported this all the way and will continue to do so. One of the reasons why was the animation of Kerry Park, which will be absolutely phenomenal,鈥� said Mayor Colin Basran.
Despite having held the first permit for nearly two years, development on the project is still in the early stages. The province鈥檚 controversial speculation tax, on property owned by out-of-province residents and B.C. residents who own more than one home that is not rented out long-term, is believed to have played a part in slowing plans for the hotel project.
The hotel brand partner and name of the hotel will be announced on March 25 and the up-to 65 residential units (dependent on market demand) will go on sale in the coming months.
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