A controversial 80 storey tower along the river valley will go ahead, following a close vote by City Council Wednesday afternoon.
Issues raised in Wednesday’s council meeting included the height of the building, blocked views and lack of details released on the land sale that took place behind closed doors – but in the end, council voted 7 to 5 in favour of rezoning for the proposed 280 metre Alldritt Tower.
“I think overall it will be a net positive, I can certainly live with the decision we heard spirited perspectives from our public and council on both sides,” Mayor Don Iveson, who voted against the rezoning approval, said.
The building’s designer said as part of the approved plan, the company would build a permanent park the public would have access to.
“The process of how tall it becomes has a lot to do with the hotelier that comes on board,” Developer Brad Kennedy said. “That’s already begun negotiations, once that’s determined you decide how many floors make up to 80, you sell out condos to see how tall it can go.”
For one woman who spoke out against the development, her concern is over the plan already in place for the area, that didn’t include the tower.
“I worry what it means for the quarters, there was a plan, a lot of investment in that plan, a lot of very considered thought and it’s unfortunate,” Penny Lightfoot said.
Shovels might not be in the ground on this project until 2018, two older buildings will be demolished soon to make way for a temporary park.
With files from David Ewasuk
