A proposed storage facility in Queensborough is heading to public hearing on Monday night.
The City of New Westminster has received official community plan amendment, rezoning and development permit applications related to the construction of a four-storey self-storage building at 805 Boyd St.
The applicant is proposing to subdivide off a 4,496-square-metre parcel of land on the southeastern corner of the Queensborough Landing Shopping Centre site to build the storage facility.
“Staff recommend that council consider the application, as it would add to the supply of industrial and mixed employment lands, be located in an appropriate location proximate to compatible uses, provide transition from neighbouring industrial lands to other land uses, and is consistent with the develop permit area guidelines,” said a June 24 staff report.
Council will consider the project at a July 8 public hearing.
In a 5-1 vote, council approved first and second readings of the OCP amendment bylaw and the zoning bylaw related to this application. Coun. Tasha Henderson voted against the recommendations.
According to a staff report, the facility would contain 1,081 climate-controlled storage units and ancillary office space.
To facilitate the proposal, a portion of “building F” on the Queensborough Landing Shopping Centre site would need to be demolished. It was built in 2008.
The staff report stated that the applicant had made some revisions to its proposal in response to feedback from the public and staff. That includes changes to some design elements, retention of existing mature red maple trees along the property line, and incorporation of climate-resilient standards in the building.
According to the staff report, feedback from Squamish Nation recommended considering climate-resilient standards in the building, such as passive cooling, stormwater management features, and low-carbon emission standards.
“Other First Nations recommend geological monitoring to take place during construction,” said the report. “Staff noted that at this time, the city does not have a requirement for archaeological monitoring for development projects; however, staff have identified this topic as requiring further study, and intend to develop a more robust policy on archaeological assessments in partnership with local First Nations and council.”
