Revitalization Plans Emerge for Long-Stalled Burnaby Development

📅 5 days ago

Peterson's revised plans for the 6645-6707 Dow Avenue site in Burnaby aim to replace existing low-rise buildings with a mixed-use development featuring two high-rise towers and additional rental units.

The Metrotown area of Burnaby has experienced significant redevelopment over recent years, with numerous construction projects currently underway. However, one particular project has remained dormant for over six years. This site encompasses the parcels at 6645, 6659, 6675, 6691, and 6707 Dow Avenue, situated near Beresford Street and Central Boulevard, directly opposite the Metropolis at Metrotown shopping centre. The five parcels are currently occupied by low-rise rental buildings that were constructed in the late 1950s and early 1960s, totaling 112 rental units. According to BC Assessment, the assessed values of these parcels as of July 1, 2025, are $22,174,000, $9,566,800, $9,617,700, $9,623,400, and $6,471,000, culminating in a total assessed value of $57,452,900. Originally, the site was owned by Matchpoint Development, which submitted a rezoning proposal around April 2020. A revised proposal was submitted in October 2021, incorporating 6707 Dow Avenue into the plans. In 2023, however, a new rezoning application was put forth by Peterson, which now controls the land assembly through Dow Beresford Development Limited Partnership under 1173807 BC Ltd. Peterson's latest rezoning application proposes the construction of a 49-storey tower featuring 413 strata units, a 41-storey tower with 354 strata units, and a six-storey building that will contain 132 rental units—essentially replacing the existing 112 rental units. Following further revisions, Peterson has now submitted a new application that reduces the heights of the towers but increases the total unit count to 1,065. The proposed configuration includes a 45-storey tower with a 12-storey podium housing 532 units, divided into 117 studio units, 184 one-bedroom units, 218 two-bedroom units, and 13 three-bedroom units. Nearby, a 35-storey tower is planned to hold 401 units, with a distribution of 119 studio units, 144 one-bedroom units, 132 two-bedroom units, and six three-bedroom units. The six-storey building will comprise 132 units, which includes the necessary replacement of the 112 rental units along with an additional 20 market rental units. The specific tenures for the two high-rise towers have not yet been finalized, although the City has indicated in a planning report that Peterson plans to pursue strata ownership for the taller tower while designating the adjacent tower for rental purposes. Additionally, the development will incorporate 7,568 square feet of office space and 8,685 square feet of retail space, all situated within the 45-storey tower. The project will provide for 888 vehicle parking spaces and 2,130 bicycle stalls located in a five-level underground parking facility. The proposal for the Dow Avenue development emphasizes a mixed-use approach aimed at enhancing urban livability and creating an active public space. The application notes that the retail and residential fronts are designed to be pedestrian-friendly, featuring recessed entries, curved building edges, and ample setbacks to promote movement and accessibility. A significant aspect of the design is its porosity, facilitated by an east-west pedestrian connector and a vehicular link between the towers that supports drop-off zones, loading areas, and access to the underground parking. Retail spaces are strategically set back to allow for direct engagement with the public realm, while the ground-level residential units will feature landscaped patios to enhance privacy and foster community oversight. The architectural design of the towers embraces elegance and simplicity, contributing positively to the evolving urban identity of the Maywood and Metrotown neighborhoods. The towers will showcase double-height glazed entrances, spacious balconies, and sky lounge amenities at their summits, providing both panoramic views and serving as architectural landmarks. The overall vision for the development is to create a welcoming, vibrant, and urban environment that prioritizes livability, sustainability, and community integration. The City’s planning report also outlines the inclusion of a pedestrian-oriented neighborhood linkage, which will facilitate pedestrian connections between the two high-rise buildings and establish a dedicated pedestrian zone along the lane for public access. Peterson has reportedly met its obligations under the City’s Tenant Assistance Policy (TAP). The rezoning application for the Dow Avenue site is set to be reviewed for the first and second readings at the upcoming council meeting. In addition to this project, Peterson has also made revisions to their Blake Village master-planned project at 6800 Lougheed Highway earlier this year and has submitted a new rezoning application for a two-tower project at 605-695 SE Marine Drive in Vancouver.

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