St. Albert residents passionately voiced concern about Bellerose Village – the proposed development at the site of the original Hole’s greenhouse – at an open house earlier this week.
St. Albert residents passionately voiced concern about Bellerose Village – the proposed development at the site of the original Hole’s greenhouse – at an open house earlier this week.
Roughly 60 residents – mainly from the Oakmont and Erin Ridge areas – attended the open house on Tuesday to discuss future plans for the property located on the corner of Bellerose Drive and Boudreau Road.
“There’s a sentimental association; it means a lot to the city of St. Albert. That’s something that we, as developers, acknowledge,” said Chris Dulaba, planning and development representative at Edgar Development Corporation.
The open house was held to gain feedback from concerned residents to be reflected in the redistricting application submitted to council. The development company is seeking a redistricting from direct control to general commercial designation.
The 10.58-acre parcel of land is retained by the Hole family, but plans are in the works to subdivide the parcel into three sections. Edgar Development Corp. is seeking the largest parcel at 4.79 acres to create a multi-unit retail and office space.
Family spokesperson Jim Hole declined to comment on future developments or the Edgar Development Corp.’s current proposal.
“We really don’t want to say much until everything comes to play,” said Hole, adding he expects details to be released in the “fairly near future.”
A major concern for residents centred on the potential tenants in Bellerose Village. The company website previously listed anchor tenants as a well-known liquor store and drug store, with the site plan identifying both Rexall and Mac’s as tenants. These specifications have since been removed.
“Within 600 metres to 1.4 kilometres, there are eight liquor stores we can walk to and I think that’s a huge concern,” said resident Tracy Dalzell-Heise. “Right across the river is our skateboard park and our kids’ water park. It’s pristine river valley.”
Dulaba said there has been interest from various businesses, “but until we go through the formal planning process, which requires council approval to get zoning and development permits, really nothing is in stone.”
He said other businesses are being explored, including coffee shops, restaurants and various retailers. Office space is also available, with two-storey units featured on the southeast end of the site, the side closest to the river.
Many residents also worried about the potential increase in traffic flow to the area.
Resident Mallory Razin said she fears pedestrian safety will be compromised.
“There is a bus route where little kids get off every day,” she said. “My little girl is supposed to go on that bus route; we picked that place because it is safe.”
Traffic congestion was also a concern, particularly relating to entering and exiting the proposed development from Bellerose Drive.
There are currently two entrances to the property from Bellerose Drive, one that legally falls within the boundaries of the proposed Bellerose Village development. There are no plans to add entrances, as the city has stated the grade is too steep on Boudreau Road.
The site is also expected to have 245 parking stalls, which surpasses the city bylaw requiring a minimum of 127 stalls for this development size.
Remove paradise
“It’s a special place because Mrs. Hole and her family owned it there and that land is probably very blessed,” Razin said. “This is a little piece of heaven and I see paradise being torn down for a parking lot.”
Not everyone attending the meeting was opposed to the development, however. Resident Dennis Van Oene said Bellerose Village could be a step in the right direction for the area.
“These buildings are much more attractive than those greenhouses, which are just run-down old buildings whose time has come,” he said. “I think there’s a loss of perspective here.”
Dulaba said the development team is working closely with Hole’s to ensure the architecture and landscaping reflects the history behind the site.
The parcel of land closest to the river, behind the proposed Bellerose Village, is designated for a residential complex. The remaining land on the northeast side of the property is also up for purchase, although no details have been released.
Bellerose Village marks the first St. Albert endeavour for Vancouver-based Edgar Development Corp., with development expected to commence sometime this fall.
