Media Release - Westerleigh Retirement Residence Project Begins, The District and Pacific Arbour Confirm Lease Agreement
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
West Vancouver, BC: The District of West Vancouver is pleased to confirm that the 125-year lease agreement with Pacific Arbour has been signed resulting in the issuance of the building permit and a $14.5 million lease payment to the District. These revenues will be invested into the Endowment Fund. In addition, to lease revenues, the District will also receive $500,000 in investment to improve John Richardson Park and other park improvements as well as a $20,000 annual payment for park maintenance.
Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones says: “Ten years ago, Council viewed the corner of 22nd and Marine Drive as an important public opportunity and so, on behalf of the taxpayer, the land was purchased. Today, the long term lease with Pacific Arbour has generated $14.5 million for the Endowment Fund and much needed housing for seniors. Combining long term thinking and housing need has also improved our financial position.”
The former Wetmore site will now be known as the Westerleigh Retirement Residence. The project will develop 130 units of high-quality senior accommodations in the heart of West Vancouver and is anticipated to be constructed over the next 24 months.
Peter Gaskill, President of Pacific Arbour says: “Pacific Arbour feels privileged to be working with Mayor and Council, Staff and West Vancouver residents in designing a seniors building that will meet the expectations of the community. We have been made to feel very welcome as a new member of the community and we are looking forward to serving West Vancouver seniors for many years to come."
Project Information
Site preparation on the Westerleigh began this week and construction will begin next week (Nov 28). During the first weeks of construction the focus will be on excavation. This will result in number of dump trucks and heavy equipment on the construction site. During the week of December 5, the focus will be on removing the excavated materials from the site. This means that vehicles may queue up along Marine Drive, resulting in traffic pattern changes and potential traffic delays.
Between December and March 2012 the foundations for the underground parking lot will be constructed. Once the project’s completed, 40 parking stalls will be available for public use.
Pacific Arbour’s primary contractor for this phase of work is Ventana Construction Corporation. All public inquiries related to work being done on the site should be directed to Ben Marsolais, Project Coordinator or to Katy Couvell, Marketing Manager for Pacific Arbour. The District will have staff on-site to monitor adherence to the building permit and environmental management plan. It is important for the public to note that the site will be an active construction site and there will be noise and other disruptions in the immediate area; however, staff will work with the contractor to ensure activity is within the permitted parameters of the building permit.
The most likely impact on the public will be a shortage of parking, resulting from the closure of the Wetmore site parking lot. For updated information on parking and a link to project updates, please visit westvancouver.ca/parking.
About the District of West Vancouver
The District of West Vancouver is the local government led by Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones and Council. Home to more than 44,000 residents, West Vancouver is a local government which strives to "inspire excellence and lead by example". Our Vision and Mission guide us to pursue our treasured quality of life and will be the measure of our success as a community. West Vancouver is a community built on innovation, a strong spirit of personal civic commitment and a deep value for relationships.
Media Contacts:
Jessica Delaney, Director of Communications
Direct: 604-925-4736
Cell: 604-360-8131
jdelaney@westvancouver.ca
Brendon Clark
Senior Project Manager
Direct 604-296-1174
bclark@VentanaConstruction.com
Public Inquiries – Project Related
Ben Marsolais, Project Coordinator, Ventana Construction
Direct: 604-677-8298
Cell: 604-220-8912
bmarsolais@VentanaConstruction.com
Katy Couvell, Marketing Manager & Outreach Coordinator, Pacific Arbour
Direct: 604-408-5811 ext.109
katy@pacificarbour.ca