Fomer Southpointe school site in Tsawwassen on council's agenda

Artist's rendering shows what is being proposed for the site on 56th St. that housed Southpointe Academy until earlier this year when the independent school moved to new premises across the street.

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On Monday (June 11), Delta council is expected to consider a development application for a new mixed-use building at the former Southpointe Academy site in Tsawwassen.

Developed by Century Group and designed by Tsawwassen architect Peter Dandyk, the proposed building at the corner of 56th St. and 18th Ave. would feature 41 stacked townhouse units, a six-storey commercial office building, and a four-storey, 64-unit seniors rental congregate housing building.

The seniors housing would offer meal service and laundry service from the Coast Tsawwassen Inn, located to the south.

An official community plan amendment and rezoning are among the approvals needed to move ahead with the project.

Current OCP designation for the 85,000-square-foot site is Main Street Commercial for which typical uses include retail, office, personal service, recreational, entertainment and short-term accommodation.

Meanwhile, the Tsawwassen Area Plan permits a maximum of six storeys in the Town Centre area, and four storeys as a transition to lower building height for the area north of the Town Centre. The property in question falls outside both these areas.

According to a public consultation summary, 64 residents attended a public information session about the proposal in January.

Of the 37 comment sheets submitted, 17 residents were in favour of the project and 20 opposed it.

"There was a general concern with the height of the commercial building and traffic impacts, particularly at the intersection of 18 Avenue and 56 Street," the summary states.

Those in favour supported the provision of seniors housing.

Staff are recommending that Delta council on Monday give first reading to an OCP amendment bylaw and first and second reading to a zoning amendment bylaw.

It is also recommended the proposal be referred to a public hearing.