The developer of a contentious proposed urban village-style development in Oakmont says an open house this week will serve to correct some “misinformation” about the project.
Boudreau Communities – also behind Botanica – submitted its application for land rezoning and changes to the Oakmont area structure plan (ASP) last month, and will be providing information at the open house on changes made to the proposal in the fall.
Currently, the application is for a 500-unit mixed-use development on the banks of the Sturgeon River featuring two 26-storey towers and an 11-storey active living seniors complex.
“There's so much – so many rumours, so much misinformation on this project that we just really need to get out exactly what we're doing,” said Boudreau Communities president Dave Haut.
One of those subjects is why the towers need to be so high, Haut said. In response, he said it is “the right way to develop the site.” A more traditional, blocky building would block entire views of the river, he added.
Another thing Haut said he “constantly hears” is Riverbank Landing is for “rich, old people.”
“This site is everything from loft units for millenniums to family units – some units will have a little yard – to Botanica-style clients, to an active adult senior living building,” he said. “It's the whole spectrum of people in the community.”
Boudreau Communities already held one open house on the development in September, when over 150 residents came out ready to bat against the proposal.
Since then, Boudreau has gone back to the drawing board and made some revisions to their proposal, including reducing the height of one tower slightly, changing the configuration to address shadow concerns from the towers and adding a new access point.
Haut said this open house will be a different format. Instead of having a presentation, there will be information boards throughout the Red Barn on topics ranging from traffic to sun shadows to financial impact.
City staff are currently reviewing the application for Riverbank Landing and a public hearing is tentatively set for June 8.
Coun. Ken MacKay said he has been getting “a lot of responses” from residents on Riverbank Landing, and he wants people to know the process is still in preliminary stages.
“I think there's lots that needs to be discussed on that,” he said. “I haven't made up my opinion, to be fair to both – all – the parties, so I want to listen to everything.”
Haut said whether people oppose the project or not, he hopes people get a better understanding of what Boudreau Communities is doing.
“I just really hope that people come with an open mind to understand the concept of the project,” he said.
The open house is being held at the Red Barn (230 Bellerose Drive) Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
