New Westminster City Council has shown support for a transformative redevelopment proposal for Columbia Square Plaza in downtown New Westminster.

Sources: Imagine Columbia Square, New Westminster Record, 88 Tenth St (Columbia Square) – Applicant Site Plan and Sketches

Although it’s not yet fully approved, the proposal aims to create a mixed-use development with 3,800 residential units across eight highrises, providing homes for approximately 7,250 residents and including various community amenities.

Key Proposal Details and Council Support

The council held a special meeting on October 28 to discuss the Columbia Square Plaza redevelopment plan. After a 75-minute session, the council voted 5-2 in favor of several recommendations that allow the project to advance to the master-planning stage. Here are the highlights of what was discussed:

• Mixed-Use Development: The site at 88 10th St. would integrate retail, commercial, and residential spaces, with 25% designated for greenways and open space.
• High-Density Residential Units: The proposed plan would add about 3,800 residential units. Twenty percent of the rental space would be offered at below-market rates.
• Affordable Housing Investment: At least 80% of the density bonus funds from this project would go into the city’s affordable housing reserve, with a covenant ensuring 20% of rental units are offered at HILS (Housing Income Limits) rates for a minimum of 60 years.
• New School Site Opportunity: The Council directed staff to collaborate with the applicant and School District 40 to secure a site within the development for a public school.
• Infrastructure Enhancements: The plan includes creating public open spaces, expanding commercial office space, and replacing retail spaces, such as a grocery store, which serves the local community.

Opposition and Council Concerns

While council members like Mayor Patrick Johnstone and Councillors Ruby Campbell, Tasha Henderson, Jaimie McEvoy, and Nadine Nakagawa endorsed the project’s recommendations, Councillors Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas voiced concerns over the high density and infrastructure demands. Fontaine highlighted that the new density would be equivalent to “adding the population of four World Trade Centers” to the area, and he stressed the need for additional amenities like parks, community centers, and ice arenas to support the increased population.

Next Steps: Master Plan Development

The council’s vote signals a green light to proceed with the development of a detailed master plan for Columbia Square. The next steps will involve public and stakeholder engagement, establishing legal agreements, and finalizing a comprehensive plan.

As Councillor Henderson noted, supporting the initial recommendations doesn’t mean council’s final approval is assured. The final master plan, when ready, will be a critical factor in determining the project’s overall impact and livability.

Key Aspects of the Proposed Columbia Square Redevelopment

1. Residential Density: 3 million square feet of residential space, 20% of which will be secured market rental.
2. Commercial Space: Replacement of all existing retail (122,000 sq. ft.), including a grocery store, and 41,979 sq. ft. of new commercial office space.
3. Childcare Facilities: Non-profit childcare space totaling 9,500 sq. ft., with additional childcare space if a school site isn’t utilized.
4. School Site Option: Provision for an “urban format” public school site to serve the area’s estimated 530 new school-aged children.

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Tags: Columbia Square, Columbia Square Plaza, downtown New Westminster