New Orillia Chapter Begins Today
The property at70 Front St. N. Is officially in play. The City of Orillia released the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) document today.
“The RFQ is a very exciting milestone in the overall waterfront redevelopment project. We look forward to hearing from developers who not only qualify for a project of this magnitude, but who share Orillia’s vision for the site. Council purchased this strategic property to facilitate the extension of Coldwater Street to Centennial Drive and to ensure the site’s future redevelopment matches, and even further enhances, the unique character of Orillia that we all know and love,” said Mayor Steve Clarke in a press release.
The 9.75-acre site will be sold through two phases. The RFQ determines a shortlist of qualified developers who share Council’s vision. The second phase is the Request for Proposals (RFP) when shortlisted proponents can submit detailed redevelopment proposals.
The Waterfront Working Group established 12 development principles that are included in the RFQ by which all proposals will be evaluated. The development principles are:
- Supports the City’s Downtown Tomorrow Plan and vision
- Optimize financial return
- Demonstrates a sustainable “green” approach
- Enhances the resident and visitor experience
- Responds to surrounding built form
- Integrated within Orillia’s downtown and waterfront area
- Considers downtown food and grocery needs
- Consists of simple and timeless design
- Consists of a high quality public realm
- Promotes safe, comfortable and inviting pedestrian environment
- Integrated approach to parking
- Integrated approach to servicing
The RFQ closes April 30, 2019 and the shortlist of qualified developers will be announced publicly in late May. The RFP should be released by the end of June and development proposals will be due in the fall of 2019.
The public will be able to view the development proposal concepts and offer feedback prior to the successful developer being selected. More information about the process is available on the City’s website.
(Image Supplied)
