A Saanich building supply company hopes to see a covenant that would require it to dismantle its main building by fall of 2019 removed by Saanich council.
The restrictive covenant was placed on Park Pacific Lumberworld’s building at 3955 Quadra in 2007, when the company wanted to rebuild its operation after a fire destroyed its building in 2006.
Lumberworld has invited neighbours to its location for a meeting at 7 tonight to explain the application it plans to make to Saanich council.
Lumberworld owner/director Dave Flaig did not want to discuss the situation when contacted by the Times Colonist, saying he did not want to risk upsetting councillors by appearing to negotiate in the press. “It’s a housekeeping thing. We don’t perceive any problems, but I don’t want to get council members upset,” Flaig said.
He said the meeting scheduled for tonight is not an attempt to get public support, but “just the support of the residents. That’s all that we need.”
Minutes from the March 2007 Saanich committee meeting at which Lumberworld made an application for a development permit for the steel-on-concrete building in question quote Flaig as saying that the company was trying to get back to full operation as quickly as possible as it had lost half its staff as a result of the fire.
Flaig is quoted in the minutes as saying he was proposing to erect a steel structure on a concrete slab that could eventually be moved to a new location once a master plan for the site was completed. He said the company hoped to create a development that was right for the community, but it could take three to five years to develop a comprehensive plan.
“In response to questions from council, Mr. Flaig stated: They want to be able to take their time and develop a comprehensive plan for the redevelopment of the site that will enhance the area, however, they are willing to register a covenant stating that the proposed building will remain in place for no longer than 10 years,” the minutes state.
In a letter sent to Saanich council in July this year — seven years since reopening, Flaig said comprehensive redevelopment of the site doesn’t appear to be economically viable.
“We have looked at possible redevelopment, but it appears the advent of [the Uptown shopping and office complex] and its current plans would present an oversupply of the product both commercial and residential that would likely result in economic hardship if we proceeded,” Flaig said in his letter.
“Additionally we are hesitant to proceed with improvements ... with the uncertainty of the restriction on the land.
“The property is zoned lumberyard and with the closure of many building supply operations offering product used in the construction industry we believe Lumberworld in its current location provides an important source of product for both contractors and home owners alike.”
Lumberworld employs 50 full-time equivalent staff.
