Westrich Pacific's proposal to build a 30-storey residential tower in Oliver has hit a big bump in the road: the City of Edmonton's Sustainable Development Department is recommending Council reject rezoning of the site at 9918 and 9922 111 Street NW. 

The proposed development, image via Westrich Pacific

A open house in April publicly revealed details about the Stantec-designed tower, which would contain 165 residential units within a 90-metre-tall highrise. The current zoning for the site — now occupied by detached homes — specifies a four-storey height limit.

City staff have recommended refusal of the proposal based on a purported "overdevelopment of the site that does not contribute to the livability of the Oliver neighbourhood." The development also fails to provide "appropriate transitions to surrounding properties and the public realm," says the City. 

Site of the development proposal, image retrieved from Google Street View

Other developments of comparable height have been approved and built in the area, including The Hendrix, though typically on larger lots. To reduce the bulk of the form, new developments commonly implement setbacks that break the building volume into more manageable chunks. Though a three-metre setback is provided, this proposal climbs vertically near the edge of the property line; its occupiable floors have similar square footage and dimensions throughout the tower.

The bylaw heads to Council on Wednesday, where it could still be approved despite the recommendation for refusal made by staff. Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment in the field provided at the bottom of this page.