A piece of property proposed as a site for waterfront condos, a marina and a boardwalk along the Fraser River is back on the market for $10 million.
Canadian Overseas Group, in 2012, first proposed such a development, including parks and shopping, for its property located just east of Port Haney Wharf.
The property was formerly the site of the company’s log-sort operation, which relocated to the Stave River, next to the company’s Andersen Pacific Forest Products mill.
The property, though, is sandwiched between the Fraser River and the CP Railway tracks. Access over the tracks and building along the river are two challenges of that location.
But there are lots of challenges with every property, said owner Charlie Andersen.
The company is selling the property because “we’re not developers, for one thing.
“We’re not developers, we’re in the forestry business.”
The property went back up for sale in November and there is some interest, he added.
“I’m hoping there will be nice development there.”
Whatever happens there requires the support of the city and community, he added.
The property is designated parkland in the city’s plans.
Coun. Gordy Robson said Metro Vancouver parks, possibly in partnership with the city, could buy the property and add it to Kanaka Creek Regional Park, thus connecting Haney Wharf to the park. People then could walk from the Fraser River to Golden Ears Provincial Park.
But it’s up to Metro Vancouver, Robson said.
“I don’t think we’d be buying it. We might contribute something towards it, but I think it’s a GVRD purchase,” he said of the city and region.
Coun. Tyler Shymkiw though would still like to see the site developed, acknowledging though that there are issues with the property.
Developing that site could connect the downtown to the river.
“I think there’s huge potential for doing something south of the bypass. It’s challenging because the footprint isn’t huge.”
But council should take a close look at what could be developed there, he added. Perhaps there could be a blend of recreational or commercial uses on the property.
“This city needs to connect with the Fraser in a much more meaningful way.”
The riverfront is important for the city, added Mayor Nicole Read.
She’d like the city to work with whoever buys it.
“I’d like to see some creative ideas.”