One of the City projects I’m most excited about right now is the potential to redevelop this parcel of City owned land next to Slush Puppie Place into a new downtown hotel and conference centre. Just over two years ago, we launched a two-phase process – first to identify qualified proponents, and then to invite detailed proposals for what this redevelopment could look like. Since then, we have moved from having six interested proponents, to a short list of two finalists, and now to one exciting proposal that has been given the green light by City Council. This approval allows City staff to begin final negotiations with the selected consortium, with the goal of making this new downtown conference centre a reality.
So, what does the winning project envision? The project features several key elements that City Council identified as priorities for redeveloping this property. It includes a 59,000 square foot conference centre with an exhibition hall, smaller meeting and breakout rooms, and a commercial kitchen. The proposal also includes a vision to revitalize and reuse the existing heritage buildings on Queen Street, enhanced pedestrian spaces and streetscapes at street level, and a mid-block pedestrian connection from Queen Street over to the front entrance of Slush Puppie Place. The development also envisions two residential towers, containing over 300 housing units and a hotel. To help address downtown parking needs, the proposal includes a multilevel parking garage, with close to 170 public parking spaces, in addition to parking dedicated to hotel guests and residents.
Over the next few months, City staff will work to finalize the legal agreements with the selected development consortium. If negotiations are successful, City Council will need to provide final approval. Following that, there will be ample opportunities for public engagement and feedback before Council considers the necessary land use planning approvals to make this exciting new downtown conference centre a reality.
Video: A First Look at the Proposed Downtown Conference Centre