The old Safeway building will be a mere memory by mid-November, after years of being deemed an eyesore in the downtown core.
The demolition company in charge of taking down the building has confirmed that the project is on target to be completed within five weeks. Some demolition activity was starting to take place already this week, and a rezoning notice posted at the site offers a hint at what's next for this prime real estate lot.
The land is now up for rezoning from its current commercial use (C2) to a mix of high density multi-family residential (R6) and comprehensive development (CD-15).
The application notice states the change would "ensure that future development supports downtown planning and revitalization efforts, including facilitating pedestrian-oriented commercial and residential development in the downtown core."
City staff has confirmed that the rezoning application will be introduced and be up for its first reading at the Oct. 20 council meeting. If council approves first reading, it will go to a public hearing on Nov. 3.
The company in charge of the demolition is Clearview Grinding Ltd., who also lead the project to tear down the old Chilliwack secondary school.
Read more about the history of the Safeway site's redevelopment.