Ontario Construction News staff writer
Burlington city council voted unanimously to continue working with Alinea Properties to develop a site at 1200 King Rd.
At the Committee of the Whole meeting March 4, staff from Burlington Economic Development and Burlington Lands Partnership presented the plan with representatives from Alinea Properties.
A public-private-partnership will be used to build a West Burlington community facility. The current vision for the site includes mixed-use residential and commercial, a post-secondary satellite campus, and an entertainment district that includes a twin ice rink and hotel concept.
One of the rinks would be large enough to accommodate large events with seating for 5,000. Concerts and other events that allow for standing room could accommodate upwards of 7,000.
“We are thrilled to share this vision with the public as it is the culmination of years of partnership with the landowner and potential investors to envision something that will benefit Burlington for generations to come,” said Anita Cassidy, executive director of Burlington Economic Development. “There are many variables at play here, including having a landowner that is equally committed to developing the site into a complete community, which means ensuring a mixed tenure housing, mobility and active transportation, employment, retail, and natural heritage and recreation areas.
“We have a long way to go on this project, but the preliminary economic vision and investment opportunities and council’s decision today to support the continuation of this work is a step in the right direction.”
The 1200 King site is one of the last major mixed-use development properties available for Burlington – immediately south of the QEW between King Road and Waterdown Road at the edge of the Aldershot GO transit station.
“The site at 1200 King has the potential to transform a currently underdeveloped area into a vibrant community hub, a place where people can live, work, and raise a family,” said Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith. “We really have a blank canvas before us, and we are taking every detail into consideration to make sure we get this right.
“We’re also looking at public sector ownership and rights to parkland, open space, and community shared use facilities that can be enjoyed for generations to come.”