Darwin Construction is planning to proceed with its proposed development application for 1012-1110 Deep Cove Road, based on the existing Deep Cove Village commercial zone. This will limit the height of the buildings to two storeys and set back the buildings from the homes on Caledonia Avenue. Also, the single family home at 1110 Deep Cove Rd. will be excluded from Darwin’s current development plans. Darwin purchased the licences for both the Raven Pub and its beer and wine store last year and plans to incorporate a two-storey Raven Pub into its proposed development.
The Crier asked Darwin Construction president Oliver Webbe to update the community on the project.
Deep Cove Crier: Why the decision to stay within the existing zoning and exclude the single family home?
Oliver Webbe: We have hosted several meetings with the community to get their feedback on the future plan for this property. I can say with 100 per cent certainty that the community wants us to build a project based on the exiting Deep Cove Village commercial zone. I grew up in Deep Cove and have lived here for over 30 years and this is the gateway to Deep Cove so there was no hesitation to change our plans once I heard from the community. Our previous plans also included the single-family home next to the existing Raven. However, after personally meeting with the family who lived next to the house and understanding the potential impact the development would have on their lives, I decided to remove the single family home from the development. For now we have rented the house to a local young Deep Cove family and will keep it that way for the foreseeable future.
DCC: When will construction begin?
Oliver Webbe: We expect to be able to start construction later in 2018.
DCC: Is the development expected to impact traffic in the area?
Oliver Webbe: I live in the Cove and traffic is a nightmare, especially on weekends. We have reduced the overall amount of commercial space in the new development and doubled the amount of parking for the new Raven to reduce the traffic generated from this project, and to limit the spillover of parking into the neighbouring streets. We are also looking at fast-tracking the construction process to reduce the traffic during construction.
DCC: Can you confirm what the entire project will look like in terms of retaining existing tenants, commercial space and residential units?
Oliver Webbe: The Raven will move to the corner and will be approximately the same size as the current restaurant. We will have a bar/lounge area at street level so people have a place to come and watch the game and a second floor dining area for those who want a quieter dining experience. We want to preserve the heritage of the building with the architecture and the tradition of live music, but in a more controlled situation. Our menu will be focused on promoting local micro-breweries, B.C. wine, and we also hope to have the best forno pizza in town. The balance of the site will include two-storey, three bedroom townhomes designed for young families and locals wanting to downsize.
DCC: What is the plan for Central Motor Service?
Oliver Webbe: Sunshine Preschool and Central Motors will be moving to another site owned by Darwin at 2420-2468 Dollarton Hwy.
Note: District of North Vancouver spokeswoman Stephanie Smiley told the Crier they have not received a preliminary application for this project, which would also need to come before council for approval.
