(Black Creek Developments)

By Sheldon Spackman

Neighbourhood Revitalization

MPC approves permit for new Normandeau apartment buildings

May 1, 2019 | 2:20 PM

A proposal to build two new apartment buildings in Red Deer’s Normandeau neighbourhood has taken another step forward.

On Wednesday, the City’s Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) approved a Development Permit for Sylvan Lake-based Black Creek Developments to construct two, four-story apartments at 17 Norquay Street, just east of Normandeau School.

Ron Goss, President of Black Creek Developments, says there would be a total of 64 rental units between the two buildings, with their application indicating 22 stalls of underground parking at one building and 230 to be reconfigured at the site above ground as well.

“We believe the site is allowing for some additional density, and also we believe that the Normandeau community is set for some redevelopment and some revitalization,” he explains. “It is an older, mature neighbourhood, it hasn’t changed a lot in the last 15 years and this is an opportunity for us to bring some excitement, some growth to that neighbourhood and hopefully bring it up a standard.”

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Norquay Landing Apartments, however, has seen opposition from some area neighbours who cited concerns such as traffic and parking congestion, overpopulation and insufficient space for the buildings themselves or green space on the site.

Goss says numerous changes have been made from the original proposal to address those concerns.

“I think those were valid concerns by the neighbours and we do try to be sensitive to that as developers,” he admits. “What we did do is we increased the available parking on the site to accommodate the new buildings, plus upgrade the amount of parking that was there for the existing buildings as well.”

In addition, Goss notes two new vehicle access points added to the site to allow for better traffic control.

“We’re not going to have a ton of cars moving down one street,” he explains. “It’s going to be funneled not through one street but dispersed over three streets. We feel that’s a definite upgrade to the site as well.”

Once formal approval is received from MPC, Goss says their next steps include applying for a Building Permit and securing financing from the owner to proceed with construction.

“We’re probably looking at two to three months before we’re in the ground at this point but if we can get going a little faster, maybe we can do it in one to two months,” he exclaims. “We’ll probably start with one building (east building), we’ll get that building up which will probably take us about 12 months to build. Once that building is up and fully rented, then I’m sure we’ll be moving forward with the second building.”

Goss hopes nearby residents see them as partners in the community.

“They should be excited they’re getting some revitalization and some new redevelopment within the area,” adds Goss. “This has a considerable amount of different angles. We’re also using upgraded finishes, we’re using a cement board finish, we’re using some aluminum accent pieces with some stone accent. These are very nice, very upscale buildings and I think the neighbourhood is going to be excited when they see it.”