Learn more about our proposal for a new mixed-use development at 145-209 East Columbia Street
Third Space Properties Inc. (Third Space) have submitted a rezoning and development permit application for their properties at 145, 149, 153, 201 & 209 E Columbia Street, New Westminster to allow for the development of a 6-storey mixed use building with retail at grade, one floor of office, and four floors of rental residential containing 99 rental residential homes.
Open House
When: September 27, 2023
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm (drop in anytime)
Where: Sapperton Community Hall
Address: 318 Keary Street, New Westminster
Thank you to those who participated in our Open House and online comment period. We appreciate your feedback!
For more information about the project, please contact us at fbailey@third.space
Our Proposal
Location
The west side of East Columbia Street features a variety of smaller commercial and mixed-use buildings, while directly across from the subject site on East Columbia Street, is the Brewery District which contains larger mixed-use buildings (mid- and high-rise forms) with a variety of amenities, offices, and residential uses. Both the Sapperton SkyTrain Station and the Royal Columbian Hospital are located within a 5-minute walk from the property.
Project Details
Subject to Council approval, this development will increase the purpose-built rental housing supply in New Westminster through the delivery of 99 new rental homes, 28% of which have been designed for families (2- or 3-bedroom homes), over 1 storey of office at the second level and continuous ground floor neighbourhood commercial space.
The following is a detailed outline of the proposal:
| Project Statistics* | |
|---|---|
| Site Area | 28,705 ft2 |
| Height | 6 storeys |
| Density | 3.86 FSR |
| Office Space | 18,166 sf2 |
| Retail Space | 13,124 sf2 |
| Indoor / Outdoor Flex Space (Resident Amenity) | 4,684.30 ft2 |
* The above noted project statistics are preliminary and may be refined through the rezoning process, taking into consideration feedback from community stakeholders and direction from City Staff.
| Residential Break Down | |
|---|---|
| Total Homes: 3 bedroom: 2 bedroom: 1 bedroom: Studio: |
99 6 22 47 24 |
| Vehicle Parking | 106 stalls (including 10 visitor) |
| Bicycle Parking (Class A) | 145 spaces |
| Bicycle Parking (Class B) | 22 spaces |
Policy Context
The rezoning aligns with the policies of the East Columbia Development Permit Area, as defined in the Official Community Plan, by proposing a mixed-use low-rise building for which a 6-storey form of development is supportable by being located within the Special Employment Area and providing one level of office space.
The project is intended to adhere to all relevant City Policies including (but not limited to) the following:
- New Westminister Zoning – By Law (2022)
- New Westminister OCP Development Permit Area 3.2 – East Columbia Street (2020)
- Sapperton / Massey-Victory Heights Transportation Plan (2018)
- CNW – Solid Waste Facility Guidelines for Development Applications – Residential (2022)
- CNW – Transportation Site Design Guidelines
- CNW – Family Friendly Housing Policy (July 2016)
Community Benefits
Key benefits of this application include:
Increased rental housing stock
The proposal offers more housing choices, with 99 new secured purpose-built rental homes to the community.
Access to transit and sustainable transportation options
The site is located within a 5-minute walk of Sapperton SkyTrain Station, while City bus services stop directly in front of the site on E Columbia Street.
Family oriented housing
The proposal will include housing options for families with approximately 25% of the residences being 2 and 3-bedroom homes.
New commercial spaces
East Columbia Street is an existing commercial corridor that is well connected to transit and is one of New Westminster’s Great Streets. The proposal will contribute 13,124 sf2 of new commercial retail space which will help revitalize E Columbia and contribute to the growing Downtown area.
New office space
The proposal will contribute 18,166 sf2 of new office space directly to Downtown New Westminster, providing more local jobs, and more opportunity for local businesses (i.e. medical and dental uses) to remain and/ or grow in the Sapperton neighbourhood.
Sustainability
Third Space is a triple bottom line company that is committed to the health of our planet and this energy conscious development will exceed municipal requirements by implementing an all-electric heating, cooling and hot water system to drastically reduce carbon emissions.
FAQs
Subject to Council approval, this development will increase the purpose-built rental housing supply in New Westminster through the delivery of 99 new rental homes, 28% of which have been designed for families (2- or 3-bedroom homes), over 1 storey of office at the second level and continuous ground floor neighbourhood commercial space.
The project is still in the pre-approval stage and is not yet approved. Sign up using our contact form here to receive more information and updates.
There is a strong demand for rental housing in New Westminster, and in this neighbourhood in particular, as evidenced by a rental vacancy rate of 0.6% (Source: CMHC, 2022) which is well below the generally accepted benchmarks for balanced housing supply. A healthy vacancy rate sits between 3% to 5%. Approximately 44% of New Westminster households are renters. (Source: City of New Westminster)
Third Space is a triple bottom line company that believes in the planet and its sustainability, and this energy conscious development has been designed to meet Step Code 3 standards, emphasizing energy efficiency. The building will go beyond the conventional approach by implementing an all-electric energy system for heating, cooling, and ventilation to significantly reduce carbon emissions, aligning with Third Space’s commitment to being a net zero company by 2050.
Each home will have a parking space, with a total of 106 residential parking spaces including spaces for visitors.
The site has been vacant for several years with the exception of one two-storey commercial building at the corner of East Columbia and Alberta Street. This commercial building is currently undergoing demolition that is expected to be complete by the end of September.
Yes it will be!
On Alberta Street, a “pinch point” will be installed just to the west of the development site to deter short-cutting traffic, replacing the existing right-in/right-out diverter. A dedicated left turn lane to Alberta Street will be installed on East Columbia to mitigate congestion for left turn maneuvers. On Strand Avenue, a right-in/right-out diverter will be installed to avoid short cutting traffic and unsafe left turn maneuvers from East Columbia on to Strand.
Construction (subject to approval from the City) would take place over a period of approximately 26 months.
We would love to hear from you! Please click here to connect with us.
Timeline
About Us
This project is being led by Third Space and their expert team of consultants Integra Architecture, Durante Kreuk landscape architect and BC Building Science.
We create better spaces to live and work. We believe in diversity and like to do things differently. We think about our impact on people and the environment in tandem with our commercial interests. We are owner operators. We are ideas people. We love to solve big problems. This is our home, and we want it to thrive.
Integra Architecture Inc. was formed, in 1999, by two experienced architects. The partners share a belief in client-centered architecture, teamwork, and long-term working relationships. The firm’s capable staff has extensive experience in all types of residential buildings, mixed-use projects, as well as renovations and seniors housing. Through effective communication and high-quality construction drawings Integra bridges the gap between the builder’s reality and the architect’s vision.
Durante Kreuk (DKLA) is an award-winning landscape architectural firm with over thirty years of experience in the private and public realm design and development.
BC Building Science was established in 1996 as one of the first dedicated building envelop consulting firms. With two of the most experienced company principals, BC Building Science has earned a reputation for providing efficient practise and appropriate engineering solutions.