Riverview moves toward 375-unit apartment complex

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Riverview council continues to move forward with the rezoning of the former public works garage property at the corner of Whitepine and Pine Glen Roads to allow construction of three, six-storey apartment buildings with a total of 375 units.

Town council held a public hearing on the rezoning prior to Tuesday’s regular council meeting, with a few neighbours voicing concerns about increased traffic in the area with more residents. During the regular meeting, councillors voted in favour of the rezoning.

Riverview chief administrative officer Colin Smith told the hearing that street improvements around the site would be aligned with construction, because the underground infrastructure would have to be upgraded as well.

Michel Ouellet, the town’s director of public works, said the area has seen an increase in apartment buildings in recent years, and more are planned, so he proposed a traffic study in 2025 to look at intersections around Whitepine Road to have good information to make future decisions on traffic lights and safety measures.

The proposed development at Whitepine and Pine Glen includes three, six-storey buildings for a total of 375 units, along with 225 surface parking spaces and 303 underground parking spaces.

The property was home to the town’s public works garage for decades and is now vacant. It is in the middle of a large residential area and near the Findlay Park commercial district that includes the Sobeys, NB Liquor, Canadian Tire, Home Hardware and a new Kent Building Supplies, which opened earlier this month. The second and third readings of the bylaw will be May 13.

Another Tim Hortons proposed for Hillsborough Road

Riverview council also heard a public presentation Tuesday for a proposed rezoning on Hillsborough Road near the TransAqua wastewater treatment plant for a new Tim Hortons drive-through restaurant, gas station and commercial development. Planner Kirk Brewer told council the land had been reserved for a third bridge over the Petitcodiac River, which is no longer in the provincial government’s future plan. The land is owned by the town. Part of it will be sold for the development and part will go to TransAqua for future use.

The proposal would involve a change to the future roads map, extension of the town water and sewer system and extension of the sidewalk along Hillsborough Road. It will go to the planning advisory board on May 8 and a public hearing at Riverview council chambers on May 13. Those objecting to the proposal may submit letters to town hall.

• Council voted in favour of a proposal for a row housing project on Hillsborough Road, which calls for four six-unit rowhouse dwellings.

• Council set a public hearing for June 11 at 6:30 p.m., to hear objections to the proposed development of two six-storey apartment buildings on Cleveland Avenue.

• Riverview received a letter from Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam, congratulating the town on receiving the age-friendly community designation.

• Council awarded a $6,000 grant to MAGMA, a $3,500 grant to Atlantic Nationals utomotive Extravaganza and a $4,000 grant to the NB Refugee Clinic.