Commonwealth Health Corp. is seeking a three-year extension to meet its commitment to build six townhouse units near the
Commonwealth Health Centre.
Commonwealth purchased the former Chances Good Times community gaming centre from Otter Property Holdings Inc. in July 2009. When Commonwealth purchased the gaming centre and airspace parcels above the city-owned underground parkade, it inherited a covenant on the airspace parcels.
Under the existing covenant, if the owner fails to begin construction of six townhouses by Sept. 8, 2012 the city has the option to purchase the property for a dollar. In a report to city council, city real estate manager Ian Wells said Commonwealth has not applied for a development permit for the site. In a letter to city council, Commonwealth president Dan McLaren requested the extension to allow for the development of up to 60 housing units on the site, in addition to the 36 seniors housing units currently under construction as part of Elizabeth Fry Place. "Commonwealth Health Corporation have been in recent discussions with the provincial government and with the Prince George Branch of the [Royal] Canadian Legion ... and at present we contemplate an additional residential development, comprising a maximum of 60 additional residential housing units," McLaren wrote. "The proposed residential complex may include a retail component, and will likely include a mix of market and non-market housing."
The issue will go before city council on Monday for a decision.
