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Delivery 604-942-3081 • Wednesday, December 11, 2013
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THE CHANGING CITY
Edmonds facing huge changes Development plans would see three new towers and a two-storey retail building Stefania Seccia staff reporter
Although the deals offered at the Value Village in Edmonds will surely be missed, its replacement proposes to be a new community hub. The rezoning application for a mixeduse development with three highrise residential towers, an office building, two-storey retail podium and underground parking in the Highgate area is headed to public hearing on Jan. 28, 2014. The proposed redevelopment, at 7350 Edmonds St. and 7338 Kingsway, was first brought to council’s attention in July 2012. A Value Village and a multi-tenant building currently sit on the site. “We are excited to build a landmark project that will add to the growth of the neighbourhood,” Michael Sengara, development coordinator with Cressey Development Group, told the NOW. “This particular corner of Kingsway and Edmonds is a prominent one, and the office building on the corner is a reflection of that.” IBI/HB Architects put forward the rezoning application on behalf of the developer, Cressey Development Group. “Architecturally, the geometry of the site serves as an inspiration for the angular form of the building,” Sengara added. “At the corner, we have also cut the building back, allowing for a covered pedestrian plaza.” The six-storey office building is Development Page 9
For more photos, scan with Layar
Jason Lang/burnaby now
On the nice list: Santa visits with Scarlett and Domenic LaQuaglia at the Glenburn Soda Fountain and Confectionery Shop before the Light Up the Heights event in North Burnaby. The festivities include a sidewalk festival, roving carollers and a lighting ceremony at the fire hall. See more photos at www.burnabynow.com.
City projects 2.47 per cent tax hike Stefania Seccia staff reporter
It’s barely the end of 2013, and Burnaby city council is already projecting a 2.47 per cent property tax increase next year. At its Dec. 9 meeting, council received a report of the 2014 provisional financial plan projecting an increase to property taxes, which could lead to a freezing of hiring any more full-time city employees. “The report before us is a pretty tight budget,” said Coun. Dan Johnston. “I think
staff have been quite thorough in reviewing their programs and making adjustments as needed. Saying that, I think there’s still some potential between now and the annual budget in May to realize some additional opportunities.” The interim report included a $5.5 million amortization of costs for some of the newly completed community centres, such as the Edmonds Community Centre, the Still Creek Eco Centre and the Bonsor 55 plus centre, according to Johnston. Johnston suggested a temporary halt to
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hiring new city staffers. He also noted a potential $60,000 increase to the Still Creek recycling and green waste depot budget because the city will no longer receive a harmonized sales tax credit. Coun. Pietro Calendino said while the suggested increase is an “acceptable number during good times,” it will be difficult for those on a fixed income. “In this time, (we should) look at reducing the property tax further,” he said. “It’s not just property taxes that people are faced Taxes Page 8
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