In a week that Richmond council approved the Walmartanchored shopping centre, another contentious and drawn-out proposal is expected to slide under the city hall microscope.
The Onni Group's mixed residential/commercial development at Imperial Landing, on Steveston's Bayview Street, was due back before city council's planning committee on Tuesday afternoon. And although the majority of the project's elements remain the same as the last time it was presented to councillors, Onni is asking for a major change to the Steveston Area Plan zoning for the ground floors of its six, completed lowrise buildings.
At present, the area is zoned commercially for only maritime-related businesses and Onni wants to change that to "better serve the needs of the residents," which are "beneficial to Steveston."
As well as maritime uses (boat repair, workshops, fish auction, offices and light industrial), Onni wants the land uses to include the likes of convenience, general and secondhand retail, financial, massage services, restaurant, minor health service, indoor recreation and childcare.
In the report, set to be presented to the planning committee, the developer advises that the change of permitted usage "supports the viability of the village and provides community amenities."
City council has knocked back similar requests several times in the past 10 years. However, Onni conducted several open houses in the summer to win over local residents, some of who have objected vehemently in the past.
