Mill site redevelopment concepts are out. What do you think?

Over 3,500 homes. Office and retail space. Revived parkland and waterfront rehabilitation projects.

That’s all included among three conceptual designs for the former Tolko Mill site redevelopment.

The 44-acre site is the final jewel of waterfront property to be built up, and as such, a critical eye will be cast upon the project by lawmakers and residents.

Among those hesitant with early project direction is Coun. Loyal Wooldridge, who simply called the designs, “underwhelming” following a high-level overview from the architects.

“When I met with the design team last term, I said the public access needs to be the priority,” Wooldridge said. “And when I look at the concepts, I find them really underwhelming for what this site could be.”

His concern rested with a fear the development will become only accessible to the elite, with limited open and park space to welcome others from across the city.

Wooldridge also grilled planners over affordable housing targets.

“This is going to be one of the most elite properties in the city and so I ponder how the development team thinks they’ll develop affordable housing into what will be some of the highest priced real estate in the city,” he added.

Architects stressed they view the redevelopment as a complete community, from both a social and economic perspective. They anticipate a range of housing options across income levels to accommodate as many people as possible. Government policy, they said, will direct future planning.

Others around the table queried about keeping the project Okanagan-authentic, and not trying to replicate something more suited to Vancouver.

Balance, Rhythm & Emphasis

All three concepts revolve around a central message; a sustainable, walkable, year-round community connected to the natural heritage of the Okanagan. Each concept - Balance, Rhythm & Emphasis – are named after the idea it works to convey.

Each design includes some degree of salvaging the heritage buildings left on site, most significantly Shed No. 5 and the Machine Shop. Potential for future moorage land, environmental reclamation, and year-round outdoor space activation are consistent among the concepts.

For an easy comparison, the concepts lean more towards The Shipyards than Granville Island.

Public feedback sessions are planned for the coming months, with a major event set for Oct. 26 at the Laurel Packinghouse.