The first major development in Port Coquitlam's Dominion Triangle is planning to open its doors this month after several weeks of delays.
Walmart's newest location will hold its grand opening on July 22 and the retail outlet will act as an anchor tenant for residential and commercial developments going into the area.
The 160,000 sq. ft. space was expected to open in June, however construction and permit delays pushed back the target date.
Tim Arthur, the city's manager of building permits and inspections, said the project received an interim occupancy permit last week, allowing staff to go into the building and prepare for the opening.
"There are a small number of issues that are outstanding but they are not related to safety," he said. "They were in a hurry and they have completed everything according to our regulations."
When Walmart began construction several months ago, the project did not have the appropriate building permits in place. The city quickly put a stop work order on the project until the necessary approvals were granted, Arthur said. A few weeks later construction was again allowed to proceed.
A spokesperson for Walmart would not confirm the delay and had no information about the stop work order.
Walmart is not the only development working its way through the city's permit process.
A Canadian Tire is currently under consideration by city staff and council and is expected to be built on the lot across the street from Walmart at Hawkins Street and Nicola Avenue.
There is also a development permit application for half of a lot at Sherling Avenue and the Lougheed Highway, where a commercial project is currently being reviewed.
The residential portion of the Dominion Triangle will be located at Sherling Avenue and the Fremont Connector, where more than 528 units of housing is expected. The city has received a development permit application for the project, which is currently being reviewed.
