A townhouse development that will preserve several heritage homes in Maillardville took another step forward in the approval process Monday.
Council granted third reading to the project, which will retain four heritage buildings while adding 41 units in the historic Laval Square area.
Most who spoke during a public hearing on the project Monday night were supportive of the measures.
"As long as the heritage buildings are kept and restored, we welcome more housing in that area," said Sr. Denece Billesberger, the treasurer for the Sisters of the Child Jesus, who lives on the street. "Some of those heritage buildings are where our sisters grew up, so we'd be very happy to see it restored."
According to a city staff report, the four buildings that will be restored as part of the project have heritage significance.
The Hammond/Lambert house (213 Laval Sq.) was built in 1911 and served as a neighbourhood store at one point in its history. There is also the Croteau/Pare house (1304 Laval Sq.), which was built in 1913 and was home to early Maillardville families associated with Fraser Mills. The Napoleon and Josephine Croteau house (1309 Laval Sq.) was built in 1920 by a millworker's child, and according to a staff report, is a good example of the multigenerational connections in the neighbourhood.
"This residence is valued for its aesthetic design as a good example of a Craftsman bungalow, a popular architectural trend from around 1905 until well into the 1930s," said the report.
The fourth structure is the Rodolphe and Lorette Boileau house (1308 Cartier Ave.), which was built in 1936. According to city staff, the home is important for its historical associations to the neighbourhood and its multigenerational ties to the local church, Fraser Mills as well as local baseball and hockey teams.
As part of the redevelopment, two other homes on the lots —1302 and 1307 Laval Sq. — will be demolished. When the project is completed, it will consist of 41 units in 13 buildings.
