Edmonds development awaits area planning process
The development of the vacant lot at Edmonds and Canada Way is awaiting completion of an updated Sixth Street Area Plan at Burnaby City Hall.
A four-storey mixed-use project is being proposed for the corner property at 7320 Canada Way, a former gas station site, according to a city planning report.
City staff informed the rezoning applicant, Kamcon Construction, that "substantial efforts" would have to be made to acquire and consolidate the Odd Fellows Hall property next door at 7724 Edmonds St. into any potential development.
Kamran Tafreshi, president of Kamcon, said his company negotiated a deal with representatives of the Odd Fellows which would have resulted in a new space being built for the group in the new project.
But in the end the Odd Fellows board decided they didn't want to proceed with consolidation because the disruption would have been too difficult for many of its older members who are in their 80s and 90s, he said, noting the organization also expressed its support for the development proposal.
"Although consolidation would benefit the orderly redevelopment of this highly visible site, as each property meets the minimum lot area requirement for the development form proposed under this application, each lot could be developed without a requirement for consolidation," said the staff report.
Since the Sixth Street Area Plan is currently under review, the rezoning application has been put on hold until the new plan can be approved by council.
wchow@burnabynewsleader.com
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