Three maps, three choices for Mission waterfront development

As Mission plans the redevelopment of its sprawling waterfront lands, the city is asking residents to provide their thoughts on three potential land use scenarios.

The latest stage of consultation lets residents pick their favoured scenario for land use by the river. All three envision industrial lands west of the railway and urban mixed-use and residential buildings to the east. The plans chiefly differ in how they would allocate that slice of land closest to the riverfront, how prevalent industrial uses should be closer to downtown, and the scale and size of parkland next to a river boardwalk. A key choice involves waterfront land directly south of the rail crossing: one scenario envisions a barge loading facility; the other two include a boat launch in the west and an off-leash dog beach. One also includes the creation of a large central park.

The land use plans include several ambitious ideas for the upcoming redevelopment including: a potential large marina; a suggested “aquabus” shuttle across the river to the Matsqui trail; a hotel, convention centre, and casino south of Highway 11; and a seniors hub close to downtown. Residents can see the plans in more detail and express their preference for each scenario and for specific ideas in an online survey now available here. An interactive, live online webinar will be held Nov. 17 at 6:30pm , with an in-person open house set for Nov. 29 at 6pm. You can also register for those through the above link.

See larger versions of each scenario below.

The first scenario emphasizes industrial development, with planners saying it “provides space for development that supports the Fraser as a working area,” and that it emphasizes “employment and light industrial uses.

The second scenario allows for more residential development in the east. It “maintains the waterfront as a comprehensive open space while prioritizing institutional development close to Mission’s downtown.” It also inclueds a large public boat launch in the west.

The third scenario also includes the western boat launch, while replacing a central park with a new retail hub that would be aimed at “enabling the development of a more comprehensive destination retail cluster.”