Pic (seems rather towers in the park-ish):
http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/...IEW_080118.jpg
Trio of highrises proposed for Guildford
By Jennifer Lang - Surrey North Delta Leader - January 18, 2008
A proposal to construct the tallest towers in Guildford is heading to a public hearing at city hall at the end of the month.
Giffels Management Ltd. wants to construct three residential towers ranging from
27 to 35 storeys tall, making them the highest buildings in Guildford. The towers would add 637 new residential units to the area.
The proposal, which passed first and second readings, heads to a public hearing Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at Surrey City Hall.
The project contains a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as some four-bedroom units. The site, owned by Cartier Developments Ltd., includes three parcels of land, at 14970 and 14975 101A Ave., and 10160-149 St.
The applicant is seeking approval to increase density beyond what’s outlined in the Official Community Plan.
“It’s a form of development that I think we’re hoping for in the town centres,” Coun. Bob Bose said.
The project meets the city’s goals of higher-density development in town centres, an approach that’s transforming Whalley, where several towers are planned or have already been constructed.
Bose said Guildford has the same potential.
“There has not been a lot of interest in Guildford, until now,” Bose said. “It’s rather a sleepy hollow up there.”
He predicts that’s about to change. The province plans to extend SkyTrain east along 104 Avenue to Guildford, before turning south and east to Langley. Faster bus options are also promised.
That’s partly why Bose isn’t concerned about the 1,000-plus vehicles the new towers could bring. However, Bose does worry the school district has low-balled its estimate on new students.
The Surrey School District says the development would bring 22 new students to local schools, 16 for Bonarcord Elementary and six for Johnston Heights Secondary.
“I just don’t think this is realistic,” Bose said.
If the project is approved, construction of the 27-storey tower could begin this year, with the 32- and 35-storey towers completed within the next five years.