2021 Oakmont Boudreau Dev't; Concerned Residents
Donation protected
Protect our river valley from massive developments AGAIN!
Say NO to the wall of buildings!
The proposed Riverbank Landing development is back. Boudreau Communities Ltd (BCL) re-submitted an application for bylaw changes that will open the door for them to build a massive development on the Holes’ family farm site located on Bellerose Drive next to the Botanica condos and the Shops at Boudreau. Your voice matters even more in 2021!
How YOU can help to oppose this development
o Tell the City! Submit your concerns and comments about the Riverbank Landing development to the Mayor and City Council by noon on June 2, 2021
o Register to speak at the June 9, 2021 Public Hearing
o Share this information with your neighbours and friends
o Visit our Facebook page at https://tinyurl.com/yaz5cled
City council unanimously rejected BCL’s previous application for bylaw changes at the June 22, 2020 Public Hearing, after residents raised several issues and concerns with the development proposed at that time.
The newly proposed development is the same or similar in many ways to the previous one. And, the same major issues remain.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT.
A group of concerned residents has organized to OPPOSE the recently proposed rezoning and development in Oakmont adjacent to the Sturgeon River.
We are raising funds now until June 9, 2021 to cover the costs of mounting a campaign to inform others of the issues and concerns with this development. The costs are for communication initiatives, such as advertising in the newspaper, and for other professional service fees. Any unused funds will be donated to the St. Albert Food Bank.
What are some of the issues?
Zoning – the land is currently zoned Direct Control (DC), which gives Council authority and control over the use and development of the land and buildings. BCL has applied to have the land rezoned to a mixed use designation, effectively removing Council’s control. This land was never intended nor approved for the type and scale of infill development proposed by BCL.
Traffic – traffic near the Boudreau Road/Bellerose Drive intersection is already a serious problem; the volume has already reached capacity. To needlessly increase density beyond the current zoning at this location will choke the intersection, impact adjacent roadways, and make it more dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists in the area. Emergency vehicles stationed beside the Boudreau Road/Bellerose Drive intersection may be restricted by traffic when time is crucial.
River Valley Landscape – our river valley must be protected – it is a cherished natural habitat and wildlife corridor to be enjoyed by all citizens. Riverbank Landing will be a permanent eyesore for those living nearby or using the park and trail system. How could the City truly brand itself as the Botanical Arts City if it allows a “wall” of buildings to be built in the river valley? The proposed infill development is simply not suitable for the site or the area.
Density – Oakmont has already met the city’s density target of having 30% multi-family residential dwellings. BCL’s latest proposal will add about 360 more multi-family dwelling units, with an approximate population of 634. When combined with the 252 units in Botanica I and II, the total density will be excessive for this one small corner of Oakmont which has restricted traffic access. Developments with this much density should be located near mass transit centres. To make matters worse, if the bylaw changes are approved, BCL or any other developer could build as many as 400 – 500 units on the site, depending on the average unit size.
Building height – BCL is still proposing to build two high-rises – one at 50 m in height (approx. 15 storeys); the other at 40 m (approx.12 storeys). These heights are more than 2 times the current allowable height in the Land Use Bylaw and 1½ to 2 times higher than the Botanica condos, depending on the elevation. Buildings of this height should be located in areas designated by the City for higher density. And, why is BCL seeking approval for a height schedule that has higher buildings with more density than those shown on the application’s site plan next to existing residential properties in Oakmont, and along the river valley?
Transition – the uses and types of buildings for any infill development on this site should have proper transition between existing structures. Building heights should transition downwards from Botanica II towards residences in Oakmont and Erin Ridge.
Public Consultation – BCL claimed that they listened to residents. But had they really listened to the public they would not be seeking approval to increase the heights of buildings more than is currently allowed. And they would not be proposing a design concept with hi-rise buildings and densities that are out of line with the characteristics of adjacent communities, and which are inappropriate for the river valley.
Trust – The Mayor and Council are entrusted to act in the best interests of citizens. They need to refuse unimaginable infill developments that are incompatible with the surrounding neighbourhoods. We are depending on them to not breach that trust and accountability.
City council must preserve the river valley, respect establish neighbourhoods, and manage the growth of St. Albert effectively and responsibly.
Say NO to the high-rise condos that will wall off our river valley landscape.
Say NO to traffic gridlock.
We are asking City Council to refuse to allow the river valley to be destroyed by towers or walls of buildings, and to reject excessive density that will worsen traffic gridlock.
Thank you for your support!
Say NO to the wall of buildings!
The proposed Riverbank Landing development is back. Boudreau Communities Ltd (BCL) re-submitted an application for bylaw changes that will open the door for them to build a massive development on the Holes’ family farm site located on Bellerose Drive next to the Botanica condos and the Shops at Boudreau. Your voice matters even more in 2021!
How YOU can help to oppose this development
o Tell the City! Submit your concerns and comments about the Riverbank Landing development to the Mayor and City Council by noon on June 2, 2021
o Register to speak at the June 9, 2021 Public Hearing
o Share this information with your neighbours and friends
o Visit our Facebook page at https://tinyurl.com/yaz5cled
City council unanimously rejected BCL’s previous application for bylaw changes at the June 22, 2020 Public Hearing, after residents raised several issues and concerns with the development proposed at that time.
The newly proposed development is the same or similar in many ways to the previous one. And, the same major issues remain.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT.
A group of concerned residents has organized to OPPOSE the recently proposed rezoning and development in Oakmont adjacent to the Sturgeon River.
We are raising funds now until June 9, 2021 to cover the costs of mounting a campaign to inform others of the issues and concerns with this development. The costs are for communication initiatives, such as advertising in the newspaper, and for other professional service fees. Any unused funds will be donated to the St. Albert Food Bank.
What are some of the issues?
Zoning – the land is currently zoned Direct Control (DC), which gives Council authority and control over the use and development of the land and buildings. BCL has applied to have the land rezoned to a mixed use designation, effectively removing Council’s control. This land was never intended nor approved for the type and scale of infill development proposed by BCL.
Traffic – traffic near the Boudreau Road/Bellerose Drive intersection is already a serious problem; the volume has already reached capacity. To needlessly increase density beyond the current zoning at this location will choke the intersection, impact adjacent roadways, and make it more dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists in the area. Emergency vehicles stationed beside the Boudreau Road/Bellerose Drive intersection may be restricted by traffic when time is crucial.
River Valley Landscape – our river valley must be protected – it is a cherished natural habitat and wildlife corridor to be enjoyed by all citizens. Riverbank Landing will be a permanent eyesore for those living nearby or using the park and trail system. How could the City truly brand itself as the Botanical Arts City if it allows a “wall” of buildings to be built in the river valley? The proposed infill development is simply not suitable for the site or the area.
Density – Oakmont has already met the city’s density target of having 30% multi-family residential dwellings. BCL’s latest proposal will add about 360 more multi-family dwelling units, with an approximate population of 634. When combined with the 252 units in Botanica I and II, the total density will be excessive for this one small corner of Oakmont which has restricted traffic access. Developments with this much density should be located near mass transit centres. To make matters worse, if the bylaw changes are approved, BCL or any other developer could build as many as 400 – 500 units on the site, depending on the average unit size.
Building height – BCL is still proposing to build two high-rises – one at 50 m in height (approx. 15 storeys); the other at 40 m (approx.12 storeys). These heights are more than 2 times the current allowable height in the Land Use Bylaw and 1½ to 2 times higher than the Botanica condos, depending on the elevation. Buildings of this height should be located in areas designated by the City for higher density. And, why is BCL seeking approval for a height schedule that has higher buildings with more density than those shown on the application’s site plan next to existing residential properties in Oakmont, and along the river valley?
Transition – the uses and types of buildings for any infill development on this site should have proper transition between existing structures. Building heights should transition downwards from Botanica II towards residences in Oakmont and Erin Ridge.
Public Consultation – BCL claimed that they listened to residents. But had they really listened to the public they would not be seeking approval to increase the heights of buildings more than is currently allowed. And they would not be proposing a design concept with hi-rise buildings and densities that are out of line with the characteristics of adjacent communities, and which are inappropriate for the river valley.
Trust – The Mayor and Council are entrusted to act in the best interests of citizens. They need to refuse unimaginable infill developments that are incompatible with the surrounding neighbourhoods. We are depending on them to not breach that trust and accountability.
City council must preserve the river valley, respect establish neighbourhoods, and manage the growth of St. Albert effectively and responsibly.
Say NO to the high-rise condos that will wall off our river valley landscape.
Say NO to traffic gridlock.
We are asking City Council to refuse to allow the river valley to be destroyed by towers or walls of buildings, and to reject excessive density that will worsen traffic gridlock.
Thank you for your support!
Organizer
Doug Hartman
Organizer
St. Albert, AB
