Construction on Oliver Landing continues on Co-Op Avenue, where the property is being cleared for high density townhomes. Shown from left are Tyler Tymchuk, Dave Tymchuk (site superintendent) and David Tymchuk. (Lyonel Doherty photo)
The developer of a new attainable housing plan in Oliver feels compelled to set the record straight after a Town councillor appeared to “attack” the project on his blog.
Oliver Landing president David Perehudoff is spearheading a development that will see the construction of approximately 130 townhomes on the old Forbes property at 210 Co-op Avenue. Construction has begun clearing the land and dredging out the old oxbow on site.
But Perehudoff raised concerns about a post on Oliver Daily News (by publisher Jack Bennest) that questioned if Oliver Landing had all the required permits to do this work. Bennest is also a Town councillor.
The trouble seemed to start when site supervisor Dave Tymchuk reported a confrontation he had with Bennest who wanted to come on site to take photographs of the construction work. Tymchuk explained that nobody was allowed on site without safety gear. Further words were exchanged and Bennest left the site. Subsequently, comments were posted on Oliver Daily News reportedly questioning the validity of the development’s work permits.
Those comments were later removed from the blogger’s site.
Last Monday Perehudoff addressed Town council as a delegation in order to answer the concerns. But he noted that Bennest abruptly left council chambers prior to his presentation.
“The fact Mr. Bennest did not face us at council while we address community concerns and questions that his blog may have risen in the community is an insult to both Oliver Landing and the Town.”
The Chronicle gave Bennest an opportunity to clarify his concerns about the development and why he left council chambers, but he declined. He did attempt to shed light on why he left, but said it was confidential and publishing it would breach email rules.
Perehudoff said Bennest removed his employees’ comments on his blog, stating he would get his solicitor involved. The developer said he didn’t care for these “threatening” tactics.
“This needs to stop, as my partners are now aware of the fact that a Town councillor is attacking our project, questioning Town procedures and government processes.”
Perehudoff said this will make it harder for him to keep prices down and to reach their goal of attainable housing in Oliver.
The developer said Bennest did not contact them to discuss any issues on the property, but made innuendos (disparaging remarks) about the project.
Perehudoff asked why the councillor does not want to support this housing development.
Once again, Mayor Ron Hovanes said that Oliver Daily News does not speak on behalf of Town council.
He said if council has issues or concerns in regard to this development, it will contact Oliver Landing through Town management.
“Council values those that wish to bring development to our community. Those that are expressing a desire to bring attainable housing are especially welcome,” Hovanes said.
The mayor also stated that the Town ensures that all developers comply with all regulations, permitting fees, and any other requirements needed under the regulations.
Perehudoff’s presentation to council addressed some of the questions and speculation raised about the development.
He said they were aware of the oxbow issue before purchasing the land. He noted that mitigating this area was not an official concern of the Town, but crews discussed ways to address it.
Tymchuk told the Chronicle that they are digging out the old oxbow and replacing it with clean fill from Pacific Rim. He noted that the Burrowing Owl also gave them free fill.
The oxbox has a lot of woody debris in it, left over by the old mill that used to be on the property.
Perehudoff said the water in the oxbow has been tested for hydrocarbons and creosote, and noted that an environmental test on the property showed no concerns.
The excess water from the oxbow is being pumped into a drainage ditch parallel to the river dike.
Shawn Goodsell, the Town’s director of operations, said they are allowing Oliver Landing to put the water in the ditch to settle out and dissipate back into the ground.
He noted that Perehudoff hired an environmental engineer to look after all the assessments and mitigation that is required for the work.
Dave Svetlichny, acting chief executive officer for the Town, said the work being performed at Oliver Landing does not breach any Town bylaws or regulations.
“Staff has been in communication with the developer throughout this process and we do not have any concerns with the work they are doing.”
In his presentation, Perehudoff confirmed they hired Valhalla Environmental Engineering to do an environmental report on the property.
“The Town has no requirement for this but it is our responsibility to our future clients.”
He reiterated the findings of these reports completed by Matt Davidson show “no environmental issues” with the organic landfill.
“We have been monitoring the levels of the water as it migrates back into the ground. No silt or anything that would concern the Ministry of Forests or Ministry of Environment has been observed during our daily monitoring.”
Perehudoff said their stormwater engineer has reviewed the stormwater plans and has been in negotiations with the environment ministry to discharge the future site drainage to the river. He noted this is the same water that is currently being discharged down the drainage ditch.
The developer said they could have used “pilings” for the remediation work at half the cost, but “we didn’t want another Park Place on our hands.”
Perehudoff said they plan to offer tours of the property once their presentation centre opens in August.
The developer said it is a real challenge bringing attainable housing to Oliver. He noted the units they are going to build are appraised at more than $325,000, but their target sales price is $275,000.
“It is a challenge convincing your investors to give away $50K in profits per unit so Oliver can have an attainable housing project.”
The 7.24-acre property has been rezoned to high density to accommodate the multi-family development.
Perehudoff said they hope to start construction on the first phase within eight weeks. All units (1,400-plus square feet) will have garages and backyards.
The target date to have the first occupants move in to phase one will be this fall.
LYONEL DOHERTY
Oliver Chronicle
