Rossdale residents raise concerns about proposed highrise development beside river
Proposed development that incorporates the old Rossdale Brewery could reach 17 storeys
Some who live near the site of a proposed highrise development in Rossdale are worried about what it could mean for the neighbourhood.
Dub Architects plans to put a residential and commercial building on land that houses the old Rossdale Brewery. The development could reach 17 storeys, with a maximum of 490 dwellings.
The developers are looking to get their re-zoning bylaw approved by the city. If approved, the next step is to apply for development and building permits to start construction.
The project's architect and developer, Gene Dub, has lived in the neighbourhood for over 15 years.
"I'm kind of anxious to see something happen here. We've been paying taxes for 30 years on this land and it's only been used as parkland, but in fact, it's not a park," he said.
But not all Rossdale residents are pleased with the plan.
Uzair Ahmed, vice-president of the Rossdale Community League, said he was initially excited about the new development. But it didn't last long.
"I feel like that's a lot for this area. It doesn't fit the character, and it could potentially become a huge eyesore," Ahmed told Edmonton AM on Wednesday.
Instead, Ahmed was expecting a smaller project, like a new coffee shop, or a series of townhouses.
The city held a public engagement session Wednesday, where residents like Brent McDonough, who has lived in the neighbourhood for over 26 years, got a chance to see the blueprints for the development.
"Those of us who have been living here a long time, the area isn't exclusive just to us, but any kind of development must be thoughtful," he said.
"I think that's what most residents are concerned about, especially in terms of height, closeness to the river valley itself, flood mitigation. Those are really important pieces that need to be addressed."
Brewery building could be restaurant, developer says
Dub said he's made changes to the proposal to better suit the needs of residents. For example, he decided to move the development back from the river bank by around 90 metres.
He's also decided to preserve the old Rossdale Brewery building, to keep some of the area's historical charm.
"I've always imagined it as a wonderful restaurant. If it doesn't get another use, then it will become our offices while we're building this project," he said.
In the meantime, Dub said he will work with the city to come up with approaches that will mitigate flooding risks and other concerns.
Rossdale residents could benefit from having a space specifically designed for commercial purposes, Dub said.
"The residents should get some commercial facilities because Rossdale is too small to support a convenience store or support any commercial," he said.
"This would give the people and Rossdale enough population to have a convenience store and some other commercial like a restaurant and a coffee shop and that sort of thing."
Veronica McRae has been a resident of Rossdale for around 20 years. As a Cree person in the neighbourhood, she said she would like to see more collaboration with diverse members of the community on the proposal.
"The river valley system was a transportation of trade for Indigenous people. The land around the river valley was for hunting and for communities to come together," she said. "The fact that there was no consideration of honouring that is upsetting."
McRae said she wants to see the city and the developers engaging with Indigenous elders and knowledge keepers on how to steer the project.
"There also needs to be a balance of honouring the past and seeking counsel to those that were here first and asking them what is the respectful way that we can use this land considering all the needs of the present day," she said.
Rossdale residents have until Sunday to submit their feedback on the development to the city. The proposal will go to city council later this spring.
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