City Approves Rezoning for Oval Site
Richmond City Council has approved the rezoning of the property which will become home to the Richmond Olympic Oval, home of the long track speed skating competition for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
The Oval will be built on part of a 29-acre site owned by the City along Richmond’s River Road, between Hollybridge Way and No. 2 Road. The property, along with an additional 6.77 acres of dyke area, has been rezoned to a Comprehensive Development District, which allows for a wide degree of complementary uses.
A detailed master plan for the site will be developed this spring, following a public consultation process.
In addition to being used for Olympic competition, the Oval will become BC’s premier multi-purpose sports, recreation and community facility. The project also includes a major new City Centre park and plaza surrounding the Oval on the prominent waterfront site, which is located along the banks of the Fraser River. The remainder of the site will be developed by the City to help fund the costs of the Oval project.
Council also amended Richmond’s Official Community Plan and City Centre Plan to designate the area as Olympic Riverfront, which will permit sport and recreation amenities and public open space in some combination with complementary commercial, business, industry, institutional, residential, tourist, entertainment, exhibition, education, health and wellness, culture, arts and/or community uses.