Supporters and critics weighed in at a public hearing Tuesday evening on the proposed redevelopment of Oakridge Mall.
The plans for Oakridge call for it to double in size, while 13 towers of various heights – the tallest at 45 stories – and community amenities would surround the retail space.
Close to 90 people spoke at the hearing, with support and criticism of the plan shown in nearly equal measure.
The redevelopment would add 2,800 new residential units to the site and the lower portions of the towers will contain office space.
A fourth anchor tenant would be added to the shopping centre, and the existing Bay, Safeway and Zellers stores would be reconstructed. The Zellers store is slated to become a Target.
People living in the area are worried about traffic congestion, overcrowded schools and whether there’s enough transit service in the neighbourhood.
While the size and number of towers has been criticized by some, the city says the plan fits with the Regional Growth Strategy, which calls for high-density areas surrounding rapid transit stations. Major developments are also planned along Cambie at Marine Drive and 57th Avenue, and the city has noted the towers will be smaller than many in downtown.
To view the full proposal and related documents, click here.
~ with files from Peter Meiszner
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