THE City of Delta has reached another milestone in its work to revitalize Ladner Village. Council on Monday directed staff to issue the Expression of Interest (EOI) that will seek proposals for a tourist accommodation along Chisholm Street. The decision followed a report on the engagement program involving residents in creating the criteria for the EOI as well as an overview of the next steps for the project.
This summer, staff attended seven different pop-up events during Ladner May Days and the Ladner Village Markets and spoke with approximately 400 residents about the opportunity. The City also received 319 feedback forms through its letstalk.delta.ca engagement platform. Through these activities, staff learned what features would be important to residents should a tourist accommodation be developed in Ladner Village. A selection of themes from the community input include:
- Reflect the historic character of the village in the design and finishings
- Incorporate a square or market feel (i.e., patio, coffee shop, breakfast place, flower stalls, fresh produce)
- Leverage local suppliers and products (i.e. hotel supplies, farm produce in restaurants, local artwork)
- Consider the streetscape, include wide sidewalks and step buildings back from the street
- Incorporate natural elements such as greenspace and a water feature
- Consider transit and active transportation and provide adequate parking
- Include amenities for locals (i.e., bike racks, rooftop restaurant, wine bar, and live music)
- Consider factors such as accessibility and environmental impacts in design and construction
Comments from the community have been reflected in the project scope and evaluation criteria in the EOI. The next step is to issue the EOI this week with a closing date of January 31, 2025. Submissions will be shortlisted and detailed proposals will be sought from one or more proponents on or before August 31, 2025. Pending the results of the evaluation, final approval and signing of an agreement would be sought closer to the end of 2025.
Council also received an update on site preparation for development. Assessments for hazardous materials has started. Soil and geotechnical work and relocation of a water main are planned to start next spring. Demolition and site preparation will occur in phases and an application to consolidate and rezone the properties to align with the Official Community Plan and long-term vision is forthcoming.
Residents can read the Council Report and Community Engagement Report at https://delta.civicweb.net/document/232195. The EOI is available at delta.ca/city-owned-property.Â