A luxury seniors complex in Port Moody that promises residents a cruise ship lifestyle is back for council’s consideration Tuesday, July 23.
But there’s been some changes since council referred the proposal by Avenir Senior Living and the Dulex Laidler Group back to staff last October with a recommendation it be scaled down or relocated to another part of the city closer to amenities.
The latest incarnation of the project near the Kyle Community Centre, which first came to council in a pre-application in June, 2022, now includes a 12-storey residential tower, rather than the previous 14, and 133 independent living and assisted living suites that were previously pitched as condos will now be rental apartments. As well the complex includes 48 memory care and 48 community care units.
In his previous pitch to council Avenir principal Jason Craik said the unique mix of units would allow residents to stay in the building should their needs change.
“This is a continuum of care,” he said. “It allows people to come in independently and then age in place.”
In a report to council, Port Moody’s senior development planner Bita Jamalpour said the tower would be complemented by by a four-storey podium although full exposure of the basement level along the northern part of the building because of the slope of the site on St. George Street would make it seem like the tower is 13 storeys and the podium five.
Jamalpour said the proponents have also reoriented the building further eastward on the property to reduce shadows over Kyle Park. They will also dedicate a 7.5-metre wide strip of land on the west side of the site for expansion of Kyle Park.
“Significant strides have been made to align the project with both community expectations and the city’s plans and policies,” Jamalpour said, adding new provincial housing legislation to facilitate densification near mass transit stations has changed the landscape for such proposals.
“The applicant is committed to delivering a comprehensive package that meets city standards."
Avenir operates similar luxury seniors housing in Esquimalt.
Craik said most of its residents have downsized from single-family homes. He said the Port Moody project would create about 88 full and part time jobs.
To proceed, the proposal will require rezoning as well as an amendment to Port Moody’s official community plan to accommodate the 12-storey tower and to redesignate a portion of the site for park uses.
