A large residential redevelopment is proposed for the former movie theatre property on London Road in Sarnia.
Zelinka Priamo Ltd. Senior Associate Dave Hannam said his client, Southside Construction Management Limited, purchased the property in December, 2021.
"In mid-January, we had a formal pre-consultation meeting with city staff for a residential re-development of this property," Hannam said. "Since that time, Southside has been working diligently to undertake the required environmental investigations and preparing the supporting technical reports, architectural materials etc. Mostly there has been some slight delay with respect to that, due to COVID and the processes have been taking longer than normal."
Hannam asked for, and was granted, a one year development charge credit extension, estimated at about $330,000 based on current costs.
"We acknowledge that according to your d c (development charge) bylaw, credits are only available for five years to the issuance of building permits. In this case that would mean that the five years expires in mid-July of this year and obviously that's not going to be possible for Southside to obtain any necessary approvals or building permits before that date."
The property, at 1450 London Road, has been vacant since 2013 and the former Famous Players movie theatre and a restaurant, known as Norm's Pub and Grill, were demolished in 2017.
"They (Southside Construction) intend to submit an official plan amendment and rezoning application later this month," Hannam said. "As you can see from the conceptual rendering, it's going to be redeveloped for four, six storey, apartment buildings for a total of 324 units. They'll be a mix of one, two, and three beds."
Hannam said they're hoping the development approval process runs smoothly and permits are proposed for the residential development by the second quarter of 2023 with construction to commence shortly after.
"I hope everyone can acknowledge that the redevelopment is going to tick a number of key strategic objectives and initiatives for the city in terms of increasing rental housing stock and generating significant assessment growth through intensification."
Hannam told council the development charges from the residential project itself could reach as high as $3.5 million.
Councillor Bill Dennis said he was excited about the project and happy to support the request.
"I've always believed as a city that we need to facilitate development and make it easy and seamless to invest in Sarnia," Dennis said. "I also want to sincerely thank Southside Construction for their continued interest in our city with this project."