Demolition of Steveston fishing relic recommended
A longtime symbol of Steveston’s fishing heritage could soon fall under the force of an excavator.
City council is being urged to approve the demolition of the old Towns Netting and Marine Supplies store at 3531 Bayview St., located across from the Gulf of Georgia Cannery.
The building has been vacant for two years. Last year, Cornerstone Architecture applied to rezone the site to allow a three-storey commercial-residential development, but council’s planning committee expressed reservations. The property has since been sold and that development application has been withdrawn.
Now Penta Builders Group is seeking permission to demolish the structure without a rezoning application due to the building’s “deteriorated condition,” according to a staff report by planner Sara Badyal.
She noted the new owners are “reviewing development options for the site.”
The building falls within the Steveston Village Heritage Conservation Area, meaning demolitions require council approval. Staff support the landowner’s request.
“The building is in a deteriorated condition and is not an identified heritage resource,” noted Badyal.
If approved, the landowner will surround the site with security fencing once the building is flattened.
Council’s planning committee is scheduled to consider the matter today.
Final approval would still be required at a regular council meeting.
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