GRIESBACH | BATTALION SQUARE REZONING
Beljan Development is starting the process to rezone and redevelop 2775 Sir Arthur Currie Way into a new community hub. The proposed rezoning would repurpose the existing building on the site, William Griesbach Training Centre, to allow for commercial uses inside it (with the intention of including a grocery store). The rezoning would also create the opportunity for a new six-storey building that would be a combination of commercial and residential uses. In addition, a new pedestrian plaza would be created between the buildings
This webpage has been created to post updates about the project and answer commonly asked questions.
*Note that the image above is for illustrative purposes only.
LOCATION
The site is located in Griesbach, on Sir Arthur Currie Way, just west of Naden Landing. The site is close to several green spaces and two future LRT stops on Castle Downs Road.
WHAT'S CHANGING?
We're proposing to change the zoning on 2775 Sir Arthur Currie Way from the RF5g (Griesbach Row Housing) zone to a new custom zone. This will allow for the repurposing of the William Griesbach Training Centre on the site to accommodate commercial businesses, and a new six storey apartment building with about 90 units. By comparison, the current zone would allow for about 110 units of row housing with a height of three storeys, and no commercial uses.
The land development process is a multi-step process that gets increasingly detailed at each consecutive step. Rezoning decisions are made by City Council at a public hearing. If this rezoning application is approved by Council, the design for the new buildings on the site will be finalized. The images below shows the initial site plan concept, and conceptual renderings of the development.
CITY PLAN AND FUTURE GROWTH
Beljan has chosen to invest in the neighbourhood at this location because of the City’s Municipal Development Plan, City Plan, which was approved by City Council on December 7, 2020. City Plan sets the direction for how future growth will happen in Edmonton. One of City Plan's main objectives is for half of the City's population growth to occur in existing neighbourhoods.
Infill development is a core part of City Plan's goal for Edmonton to be a Rebuildable City. This means planning for the flexibility we need to keep our city vibrant and livable in the face of shifting local and global trends. Being a Rebuildable City is the best way to ensure that our efforts are always moving towards a better and more efficient city, rather than having to start over with every major social, environmental and technological change.
Another major goal of City Plan is to build a more liveable city that allows people to easily complete their daily needs within their District and within a 15-minute travel time by walking, rolling, biking or transit. The proposed development will create a community hub with commercial businesses where people in the area can easily meet their daily needs.
PROJECT STAGE
Rezoning is the first step in the land redevelopment process, followed by design, permits, and construction.
We're at the very first stage of the project. A rezoning application for this site was submitted to the City of Edmonton in February 2023 to rezone the site to a new zone.
Rezoning decisions are made by City Council at a public hearing. We anticipate the file would go to public hearing in the fall of 2023, and will post the date as soon as it is known.
SURVEY
We have created a brief survey to learn more from local residents. You can complete the survey online, or read through the questions below and send an email or give us a call to share your perspectives.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW WILL THIS IMPACT ME?
The site is surrounded on three sides by streets and lanes, and there is no development to the west of the site. All of the buildings will be placed at least 5.5 m from the perimeter of the site.
HOW TALL WILL THE BUILDINGS BE?
The height of the existing building on the site will not change. The proposed zoning would allow for a new building of up to 23 metres (about six storeys) on this site. The current RF5g zone has a maximum height of 12 metres (about three storeys).
WHAT WILL THE DEVELOPMENT LOOK LIKE?
We are still in early stages of the design process. However, development regulations in the new zone will require that all ground floor commercial spaces have front entrances oriented towards a street or plaza in order to create a people-friendly street and public space. It also requires buildings to incorporate design elements to enhance the appearance of buildings during winter months, and transparent windows on commercial units to promote pedestrian interaction and safety.
WILL THERE BE PARKING? WHERE?
“Open Option Parking” was passed by Council on June 23, 2020; this change removed mandatory minimum parking requirements from the Zoning Bylaw. However, plenty of parking will be provided, with surface parking lots for visitors to the commercial businesses, and underground parking for people living in the new building.
HOW WILL THE SITE BE LANDSCAPED?
The proposed zoning regulations would require a minimum of 11 trees and 22 shrubs to be planted on the site. A mix of coniferous and deciduous plants will also be required.
A landscape plan will be prepared by a landscape architect.
WILL THIS REZONING SET A PRECEDENT FOR THE AREA?
City Council approves policies that guide what type of development is encouraged in different areas of the city. All rezoning applications are reviewed by the City based on their own merits, context and alignment with City policy.
REZONING RESOURCES
Zoning Basics
The City of Edmonton's What is Zoning booklet provides an overview of how zoning shapes the city and your neighbourhood.
Rezoning Process
The City of Edmonton's Rezoning and Plan Amendment webpage explains how the rezoning process works.
Public Hearing Process
The City of Edmonton's Public Hearing Playbook explains how the public hearing process works.
Griesbach Rezoning Applications
The City's planning application webpage displays land development applications in Griesbach.
QUESTIONS?
We're committed to being a good neighbour; please feel welcome to contact us with any questions, concerns or considerations.
PROJECT TEAM
Jeff Booth | Planning consultant | Situate | jeff@situateinc.ca
