Red Deer’s municipal planning commission has approved the subdivision of the triangle-shaped parcel of land south of Red Deer College and between Taylor Drive and Hwy 2.
The 157-acre area is covered by the Southpointe Neighbourhood Area Structure Plan, which was adopted by the city in November 2009. It contemplates a mix of commercial and residential uses, with natural areas and an eco-innovation park, where green businesses will operate.
The subdivision plan consists of 27 lots of various shapes and sizes. Those along Taylor Drive and on the southern tip of the parcel would be dedicated for commercial development, with mid- to high-density residential lots further west. There are also public utility lots and open spaces, with about 17 acres of the treed Bower Natural Area to be preserved.
“I think it’s a great example of what we can do,” said Councillor Paul Harris.
However, he stressed the importance of ensuring the commercial area is broken up to avoid big parking lots.
Councillor Frank Wong also applauded the mixed development.
“This is one of the forerunners of this new type of walkable community,” he said.
“It’ll look like more like a town.”
The residential area is expected to accommodate up to 1,655 people. The commercial area, which is being developed by Qualico Developments West Ltd. as Southpointe Junction, will consists of a broad range of stores and shops, as well as office space.
The commission’s subdivision approval was conditional upon easements being provided for access to interior lots, and the development of a pedestrian bridge over an east-west roadway to residential areas.