A local dentist is looking to build a three-story medical building on vacant land at the corner of Highways 16 and 97.
City council approved the third reading of a bylaw to rezone the 1.56-acre vacant lot south of the Prince George Playhouse on Monday night, following a public hearing. Dr. Jas Pahal of Hart Dental and his wife initially looked at building a dental practice on the site, but the amount of interest from other local healthcare professionals in the city prompted them to look at a larger development, Pahal told council.
“It would be a bit of a hub for Prince George and even the north,” Pahal said. “We have a lot of patients coming from Mackenzie, McBride, Valemount, etc.”
In a written report to city council, Pahal said the 3,162 sq. metre (34,000 sq. foot) facility will include a mix of commercial on the main floor, and health care and professional offices above. A wellness centre is expected to occupy the entire second floor.
The building may include some more general commercial services like a pharmacy or coffee shop on the main floor, but would look to attract healthcare professionals like dentists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and others, he said.
“The proposed Health Professional Centre will be an incredibly attractive building with spectacular, modern facades facing both Highway 16 and Recplace Drive. Given the prominent building location, particular attention has been paid to the easterly Highway 16 façade with quality landscaping and attractive lighting and signage,” the written report said.
Access to the facility would be from Recplace Drive, and the site plan includes up to 139 parking stalls.
The developer is seeking to the have the site rezoned to the C2 zoning, which is the same as the Victoria Medical Building.
Construction was expected to begin this summer and completed in the spring or summer of 2023.
Council unanimously supported the project.
“I think this is exactly what this area needs,” Coun. Cori Ramsay said.
Mayor Lyn Hall said the development ticks all the boxes for him – it is infill, will provide space for healthcare professionals which are needed in the city and will be an attractive addition to a busy location in the city.
“This definitely looks beautiful,” Coun. Kyle Sampson said. “To have a professional (building) development in that hub… is definitely welcome.”
Coun. Brian Skakun did raise concerns about the traffic flow on Recplace Drive, because of the speed bump where the road enters the back of the Pine Centre Mall parking lot. However, he said, it is a welcome investment that will create jobs in the city both during construction and after completion.
