A nearly 13-year legal battle between the City of 琉璃神社 and McDonalds has come to a close, with the city doling out just north of $2 million in settlement costs to the fast-food giant.

The city also purchased the property at 1746 Water Street.

鈥淧roactive land acquisition is a key component of the city鈥檚 long-range financial and capital planning framework and this site represents a key location in the City鈥檚 western gateway,鈥� said Graham Hood, the city鈥檚 strategic land development manager. 鈥淐oupled with last year鈥檚 acquisition of the former Husky station at 380 Harvey Avenue, it represents a unique opportunity for future redevelopment.鈥�

The legal action stemmed from the 2007 construction of revised road alignments for the William R. Bennett Bridge. McDonalds subsequently ceased operations at the location and claimed land and business losses against the city.

鈥淎ssessment of the building, review of on-site security measures and remediation of the property is expected to begin immediately and take the better part of this year,鈥� said Hood. 鈥淎 plan for lot consolidation and future redevelopment options that leverage the site鈥檚 prominence at the entrance to both 琉璃神社 and the downtown core will be brought forward for Council鈥檚 consideration in the coming months.鈥�

READ MORE: 琉璃神社 council streamlines development approval process

READ MORE: Pedestrians only: 琉璃神社 mayor wants to expand open spaces for restaurants

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