1520 Blanshard Street (Downtown)

Project Overview: Reliance Properties is proposing a 35-storey mixed-use building at 1520 Blanshard Street, located just outside the North Park neighbourhood. The proposal features ground-floor retail, co-working space on the second floor, and residential units on the upper floors. The residential units include a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom options. The plan also outlines a large public plaza as part of the development.

Project Update: The Community Association Land Use Committee (CALUC) meeting, hosted by the Downtown Residents Association (DRA), took place on February 10 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hotel Rialto. The meeting included a 30-minute presentation from Reliance Properties, followed by an opportunity for the public to ask questions and provide feedback.

The DRA will compile public input from the meeting, email submissions, and the development tracker forum into a summary letter addressed to the Mayor, Council, and the applicant.

Key feedback from the meeting included:

  • Building height: Mixed opinions on the proposed 35-storey building—some attendees expressed concerns, while others were in favour.
  • Design: General disapproval of the initial building renderings, with a preference for a more unique design.
  • Traffic and parking: Concerns about increased traffic and the number of the proposed parking stalls.
  • Blasting: Concerns from neighbours about the extent of blasting required for underground parking.
  • Plaza maintenance: Uncertainty about the long-term upkeep and maintenance responsibilities of the public plaza, given that the building will be a strata.