People looking for more information about the proposed redevelopment of the Mill & Timber site in Port Moody can attend an open house next week.
The 110-year-old sawmill announced last month it plans to transform the 34-acre site next to Rocky Point Park into a mixed-use, waterfront community. Some of the key features anticipated in the new development are re-established connections to the water's edge, a range of employment opportunities, boardwalk, park space and extensions to the Shoreline Trail and preservation of historical sawmill elements.
At the June 23 open house on the proposal, slated to be the first of a series, urban planning consultants Brook Pooni aim to share some of the feedback they've heard so far and hear more ideas from the public. Representatives will be on hand to answer questions as well.
"We'll be introducing the project overall, giving some background about the site and its history…and also exploring some of the big ideas and opportunities we think the site has," said Blaire Chisholm, Brook Pooni's vice president.
Some of the ideas collected so far came at a kiosk at the Port Moody farmer's market in late April. Chisholm said about 70 people stopped by and most filled out the survey.
"A lot of what people were saying is they want to see a public market there," Chisholm said. "The idea of a Granville Island came up a lot, and that would be a really amazing opportunity for the site."
According to Brook Pooni's public consultation timeline there will be further meetings with neighbourhood groups this summer, as well as design workshops and a second open house. A final concept and area plan should be available for a third open house in the fall.
The Mill & Timber site is identified as a special study area in Port Moody's official community plan, meaning development proposals must come with a comprehensive local area plan.
• The Flavelle Oceanfront open house is on Tuesday, June 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Old Mill Boathouse (2715 Esplanade St., PoMo). Visit www.flavelleoceanfront.ca for more information.
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