WATCH: Taller towers expected in former mobile home park redevelopment

Lawmakers have given an initial sign off on some updates to a high-profile redevelopment along Lakeshore Road.

Dubbed Ledge on Lakeshore, the builders behind the project on the former Hiawatha RV Park asked for an update to allow them to build up to 17-storeys from 11.

Westcorp is also pushing back the towers further from Lakeshore Road, a welcome move for city planners.

“Staff supported the application to have some more variability in building heights, so you don’t have so much symmetry … not all the buildings are 11-storeys,” Community Planning & Development Manager, Dean Strachan, said. “Having a bit of variety breaks it up and creates a nicer façade when it’s viewed from other properties and Lakeshore.”

As the building footprint shrinks, there will be more open space on the site, creating a more modern design for the project, he added.

The builders have also asked for a parking reduction, which is tied to a rental only agreement.

The density of the project is not changing, but all 1,100 proposed housing units are now slated to be rentals. Original plans called for a hotel, but that has been changed to a residential development.

The development will include commercial units near Lakeshore Road and a daycare near Wilson Creek.

The nod of approval from city council means the overhaul will go to a public hearing.

Coun. Charlie Hodge was the lone naysayer citing what he believed was ample public feedback since 2007 objecting to the height.

“We’ve heard and heard and heard what people wanted, and I’m just not convinced that a lot of those people that were concerned about it have the energy or the age or intent to even show up,” he said. “I think amending the zone allows it to go to a height the public has clearly said they weren’t happy with before.”

Mayor Colin Basran said the project has not come back for many changes and what was approved in 2007 was for a much different city with different needs.

“The same density with increased green space and much needed rental housing, to me makes total sense that this would go to a public hearing,” he said.

Others around the table welcomed the additional rental units and were eager to hear what the public and developer had to say, admitting there have been some other concerns from South Pandosy neighbours.

The first 200 units, all two- and three-bedroom townhomes, are under construction with first occupancy expected in early fall 2022.

According to a sales website, the second phase of the project will see three residential towers rise, an amenity center, and parkade. It is expected to get underway this fall. Full build-out should take five years.

The redevelopment has a long history, starting in 2007 when Westcorp bought the property, which was a 55-plus community with 94 mobile home parks.