Council Meeting Highlights: February 22, 2021

Feb 22, 2021

Here is a quick snapshot of the outcome of this week’s Council meeting. For details, please watch the video or view the minutes once they are posted.

Proposed Heritage Alteration Permit for the Ferry Building

The federal and provincial governments are investing in restoring the 108-year-old Ferry Building, a cherished landmark that now operates as a public art gallery near the waterfront in Ambleside. The Ferry Building is a municipally designated heritage site and cannot be altered unless a Heritage Alteration Permit is issued. Council approved the Heritage Alteration Permit.

The restoration, which is scheduled to be completed in spring 2022, will include raising the building in its current location to protect it from rising flood levels due to the impacts of climate change. Seismic and envelope upgrades, constructing washrooms, and installing a ramp to make the building more accessible are also part of the project.

Preliminary Development Proposal for 1763 Bellevue Avenue

The District has received a preliminary development proposal for 1763 Bellevue Avenue, the former Masonic Hall site, constructed in 1950. The site is located on the north side of 1700 Block Bellevue Avenue, across from John Lawson Park and within the Ambleside Village Center. The preliminary proposal in its current state includes a nine-storey building with a combination of 28 strata units, six non-market rental units, and five commercial units. Staff noted that, while the proposal generally supports objectives in the Official Community Plan and Council's Strategic Plan, a number of issues with the proposal were identified by staff. Staff recommended that allowing the proposal to proceed to public consultation would allow public feedback and allow staff to address the identified issues before a formal application.

Council did not pass a resolution regarding this item/report.

The next Council meeting will take place on March 8, 2021.