Development at the original Hole's greenhouse site is on hold until the subdivision application is accepted by the city.
"It's been a very lengthy process to get the subdivision done — much longer than I expected," said Bill Hole.
Edgar Development Corporation, the company behind the proposed 60,177 square foot multi-unit retail and office space development at the location, expected to begin development this fall.
"I don't think that's realistic. I think it's going to be a spring situation," Hole said.
Despite the delay, he said the Vancouver-based real estate firm was still interested in developing Bellerose Village on the largest plot, at roughly 4.79 acres.
Chris Dulaba, planning and development representative with Edgar Developments, said there was little to report on the project.
President of the company, Peter Edgar, said the company had no comment.
At a public hearing held in mid-May, residents expressed concern about the development mainly relating to the businesses that could set up shop. Dulaba was hesitant to reveal tenants in the complex, but said anchor tenants would include well-known liquor and drug stores.
The company's website formerly listed both Rexall and Mac's as tenants, although this has since been removed.
Subdivision process
Landowners looking to subdivide their land must submit an application to the city. Within 60 days, the city is required to make a decision whether or not conditional approval will be granted, said Carol Bergum, planning manager.
She said Hole received conditional approval last spring after applying to divide the 10.58-acre plot into three sections.
Upon granting conditional approval, the landowner will be provided a number of conditions and will have up to one year to work to satisfy them before moving into the second phase called endorsement.
"We're actually just working with them to start that process right now," Bergum said.
The city works with the landowner to ensure all conditions have been met before granting approval. If all conditions have been met, she said it takes roughly two to three weeks to be granted approval.
Once the subdivision approval authority grants approval, landowners can register the individual parcels and proceed with sales and subsequent developments.
Hole said the process has required minor changes in terms of lot lines, but nothing substantial.
He said the land was being used to grow produce throughout the spring and summer months, and said the land will continue to be used until a sale is tendered.
"If it turns out that next year there wasn't anything happening and we still are able to use it, we would," he said. "With any old building, you're almost in a catch 22 because you can't just leave it sit there without investing in it … (but) as long as there's not a major investment to keep it going, we'll continue using it."
He said several developers have expressed interest in the parcels, although nothing solid has been lined up.
The parcel closest to the river is designated for a residential complex and the remaining land on the northeast side is also up for purchase, although no details have been released.
