Massive downtown development proposed

Affordable housing and the need for a school are on the radar for Columbia Square

TheresaMcManus tmcmanus@newwestrecord ca

NewWestminster city council wants a massive new development proposed for Columbia Square Plaza to provide ample affordable and rental housing.

At a June 12 workshop, city council received an introductory report about a rezoning application for the shopping plaza at 88 10th St., which would see the site redeveloped into a high-density, mixed-use and transit-oriented community

The reports says “significant residential density” is anticipated as part of the site’s redevelopment with 2,200 to 4,000 residential units built in six to eight towers, providing homes for an estimated 4,000 to 7,250 residents.

Edgar Development said its proposal features eight towers (incorporating affordable housing, market rental and strata condos), a daycare, office, retail and significant green space

“Staff consider this project to be of a very high priority.The developer has expressed that they would like to move this application as quickly as possible, and staff feel similar,” said Demian

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