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A bid to build Metro Vancouver’s largest shopping mall on former Agricultural Land Reserve near the Tsawwassen ferry terminal in South Delta appears a done deal after members of the Tsawwassen First Nations voted last week to proceed.
The two malls would total more than 2.3 million square feet. This would be larger than the Metrotown Mall complex in Burnaby, the largest shopping centre in the Metro region. The Tsawwassen First Nation voted more than 95 per cent approval on the two proposals, which don’t require Delta’s approval, on January 18.
The First Nation’s economic development corporation announced last year it had entered into a memorandum of agreement with Ivanhoe Cambridge and Property Development Group to develop 1.8 million square feet of shopping and office space just off Highway 17 at 52nd Street.
The 180-acre site had been part of the Agricultural Land Reserve but was pulled out when it became part of the First Nation’s treaty settlement lands.
Ivanhoe Cambridge’s project would comprise 1.2 million square feet of destination retail and entertainment space. Named Tsawwassen Mills, it would follow the model of the huge CrossIron Mills mall north of Calgary and Vaughan Mills north of Toronto.
Property Development Group, meanwhile, is proposing to develop an outdoor retail mall called Tsawwassen Commons. This 550,000-square-foot centre would have approximately 17 “major retailers” and more than 175 smaller retail shops, a food court, and retail kiosks. Plans call for the mall to be designed “around B.C. themes, including a distinct Coast Salish component.”
There have been rumours big-box outlets such as Walmart locating on the First Nation. But in a recent interview, John Scott, vice-president of new development at Ivanhoe Cambridge, said it’s too early to make any announcements regarding tenants.
Western Investor