The redevelopment of the Tolko Mill site is set to transform the North End into an inclusive urban neighbourhood that reflects the community's identity. 

That was the key message city council heard as it was presented with revised plans for the site on Monday (Oct. 28).

鈥淚ts transformation will reunite this mill site with the wider region, connecting the community to the downtown and Knox Mountain,鈥� said Mark Marshall with Holar Developments. 

He added the area鈥檚 history will be celebrated using reclaimed industrial relics on the site and incorporating Sylix storytelling. 

鈥淪tepping on the property, it needs to feel like something special.鈥�

Reclamation includes the No.5 Shed and loading dock, built in the 1940s, the machine shop and wood chip tower, and the old plywood shed, a 50 metre by 50m steel structure. The revised plan was a welcome change from the original three concepts presented to council in September 2023.

鈥淲hat I see today is inspiring,鈥� said Councillor Loyal Wooldridge, who called previous plans underwhelming. 鈥淎 robust effort to preserve and utilize the heritage and historical buildings.鈥� 

Coun. Rick Webber agreed. 

鈥淣one of the previous three concepts looked appealing in any way,鈥� he added. 鈥淭his is entirely different, and I feel like council was heard and the public was heard.鈥�

The incorporation of heritage and historical items is expected to attract visitors.

鈥淲hich will be a draw much like Granville Island has unique draws that we love to go and see,鈥� Coun. Luke Stack said.

The redevelopment envisions five character areas featuring retail outlets, food and beverage establishments, a hotel, pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths, parks and open spaces and housing.

Coun. Ron Cannan urged there be a focus on affordable housing. 

鈥淛ust building more expensive housing doesn鈥檛 help deal with the affordability crisis in our community, so I鈥檒l be watching for that,鈥� he added.

The emphasis on green spaces was also well-received. 

鈥淚 feel that green has been heard finally,鈥� said Coun. Charlie Hodge.

Parking will be a challenge, council heard, given the site鈥檚 waterfront location and the water table. Parking will be at and above grade. Marshall said parking layouts will be integrated as much as possible into the surroundings. Proposed public transit service to the Mill Site and North End includes a bus exchange and more frequent service. 

Marshall added that the last three years of planning have been a collaborative effort involving the public.

鈥淲hat you see here today is a reflection of that input,鈥� he told council. 鈥淭hey have had a strong say in deciding what they want their future city to look like.鈥�

Coun. Gord Lovegrove appreciated the inclusivity of the project.

鈥淲hat I see here is not just a walled community for the rich and famous,鈥� said Lovegrove. 鈥淚 see, and I鈥檝e heard loud and clear, an inclusive community.鈥�

Redevelopment of the site is expected to happen in four phases over the next 20 to 30 years and could start with events and activities on the site as early as the summer of 2025. 

These will include family events, concerts, art exhibitions, and cultural celebrations to help residents become familiar with the site. Marshall said the project aims to 鈥渦nlock the spirit of the land,鈥� inviting people to explore the mill site and enjoy its natural benefits. 

鈥淚n returning the site to the people of 琉璃神社, we must first host activities and attractions that will draw from far and wide. This will start to see the familiarity and comfort with the site as a destination.鈥�

The next steps for the project include completing all technical studies, further public engagement and preparing a final plan for council consideration.