The Boitanio Mall redevelopment is still moving ahead, according to a letter and appearance at the regular city council meeting on Oct. 22.
A request for staff to look into amending a city bylaw to extend the building permit for the construction for a second time was approved and the developer says they are committed to seeing the project through.
An extensive update on the project was provided in a letter to the city by the developer Janda Group, explaining the reasons behind the long delays which have led the project to be years behind schedule.
The redevelopment to convert the top floor of the Boitanio Mall building from commercial to residential housing units began in January of 2022, but then halted in December of 2022 when hazardous materials were uncovered in the building.
While the remediation work was completed by December of 2023, it had taken longer than expected, and the contractor then informed the Janda Group they would no longer be able to continue on the project due to other commitments.
The developer said they have since secured Black Maple Construction as the contractor who will resume work on the project right away, and ramping up over the next 30 to 60 days. They said the immediate goal is to complete work on the building envelope and then to be working inside over the winter.
Another delay has been due to needing to upgrade the storm sewer network for the project, which the developer said has taken nine months of work with the province to get the required permits to be able to move forward on this. They hope to begin this work either this fall or in the spring.
Sonny Janda, director of Janda Group, appeared remotely at the council meeting to speak to council and answer any questions they might have.
“We’re eager to move forward as well," said Janda, who said the developer is committed to the community.
Acting mayor Scott Nelson expressed appreciation for the company's investment in the community and said the housing is needed.
Council voted in favour of city staff working with the developer and bringing forward a report on amending the current bylaws to allow a second extension.
Coun. Sheila Boehm, Coun. Jazmyn Lyons, and Coun. Joan Flaspohler were present and supported the motion to move ahead.
Coun. Angie Delainey, and Mayor Rathor were absent from the meeting, as was Coun. Michael Moses, who is still on leave.
