Ladner residents get peek at waterfront plan

The proposed waterfront development for Ladner harbour features mixed-use commercial/residential and expanded public space.

Adrian MacNair

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Delta held an open house last Thursday at the Ladner community centre to update the public on its waterfront plans.

The Downtown Ladner Waterfront Redevelopment Advisory Committee, using input from a design consultant, stakeholders, and residents, have finalized the planning principles guiding the project.

Among the 16 stated principles include such things as encouraging a mix of uses that will bring activity to the waterfront, encouraging small scale and local retail, and strengthening the Ladner Village business sector while enhancing its scale and character.

The planning also keeps in mind the heritage infrastructure and existing commercial uses along Chisholm Street.

Chisholm Street’s south side is planned for recreational, public and residential buildings with a maximum height of four stories. The north side of the street, including structures stretching out over the water, are planned for a similar use but limit the building height to 2.5 storeys.

Design character of new buildings on Chisholm would follow historical form and opportunities for view corridors, as well as access to the waterfront by incorporating public boardwalks along building edges to “back porches” overlooking the harbour.

Ladner harbour’s north side and structures on the water would add low impact commercial uses to serve harbour and park users with a maximum building height of 1.5 stories. Environmental protection of adjacent wetlands and dredging of the harbour is seen as vital components to the plan.

There are a number of open spaces included in the plan, such as Spot on the Water Park, the Ladner Wharf and the Chillukthan Slough, which planners hope would be a catalyst for both tourism and redevelopment.

Ladner residents at the open house were generally favourable of the plan but the building heights were a sore point.

“It’s going to ruin the waterfront as they have it,” said Emmy Roux.

She said she’s OK with developing the north side of Chisholm Street with low-lying two-storey shops and businesses, but she doesn’t want the view of the river blocked.

“I think it ruins the character of what the old part of Ladner is,” she said.

Mary Paxton, who has lived on River West since 1970, also wants the building height limited to two stories.

“Some of the [conceptual] pictures make me feel like it’s more like a city,” she said, before adding she’s in favour of most of the ideas.