PITT MEADOWS, BC – On Tuesday, Council adopted zoning amendment bylaws to facilitate the development of the Golden Ears Business Park Phase 3 and 4 (GEBP 3 & 4) by Onni Corporation. Community benefits include: 13 acres of green space in South Bonson that includes eight acres of park land and five acres of an enhanced trail network, with an estimated value of $22.5 million; increased annual tax revenues estimated at $2 million (in addition to Phase 1 and 2 revenues) and opportunities for job creation.
“This vision has taken nearly 20 years to come to fruition,” said Mayor John Becker. “Not only will this project enhance access to employment and business opportunities, it essentially assures the economic base for PittAMeadows for decades to come.”
Considerable road improvements will be made as part of the GEBP 3 & 4 which includes the expansion of Airport Way to four lanes, fully signalized intersections in several locations and a pedestrian crossing on Airport Way.
“The addition of park land is an exciting opportunity to re-envision the entire athletic park complex and to expand the user base for residents of all ages and all abilities,” said Mayor Becker. The new park lands will be integrated into the public consultation for the Parks and Recreation Master Planning process later this fall.
Council has also increased the allowable commercial use in the development from five to fifteen percent to encourage greater retail amenities for the community.
As part of the development of the GEBP 3 & 4, Council will develop a community interface committee to proactively engage on construction impacts on neighbourhood livability, a first in Pitt Meadows. Terms of reference will be developed for this new committee and neighbour consultation will occur during the development permit process.
The adoption of zoning amendment bylaws comes after several years of negotiation and community consultation including a public hearing process. Onni Developments has accepted amendments to their application including reducing building heights, increasing buffer separations and additional commercial use.
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