The slow path to Big Box Heaven

Most Podunkians have noticed that there’s not much in the way of earth moving out at the old
BC Hydro site, our dreams of big box stores and exotic (for Podunk) eateries still much more rumour than fact.

The Look Inside newspaper decided to try to get to the bottom of the situation by interviewing the developer for the project, but if you were thinking that you’ll be tied up in traffic any time soon you might be mistaken.

Royop developments say that plans are moving along nicely, though there is still much to do before construction gets underway. Among the main concerns, the ever popular question of how to build among the rock and muskeg that makes Rupert famous.

Below in our Podunkicized form, we present the article that suggests construction will be set for late 2006.

Still much to do on development
By Shaun Thomas
Look Inside Publications
April 5, 2006
Page 8

PRINCE RUPERT – Plans for the major retail development slated for the old B. C. Hydro lands are moving along nicely, although there is still much to do prior to the start of construction.

Melvin Foht with developer Royop said that the company is still working on getting the site ready for construction later this year, although no tenders have gone out nor have contracts been awarded.

“Right now we are working on getting more pricing from contractors… That site is going to be a tough site to work with because there is a lot of rock and a lot of muskeg in the area,” he said, adding that the company has been in preliminary talks with two local companies about the work that needs to be done.

“Things are moving along, although we don’t have a definitive start date for construction we are optimistic it will start soon.”

And while a number of potential retail and dining chains have had their names associated with the development in talks around town, Foht said that discussions with the primary tenants were ongoing and nothing had been finalized.

“These things take time and there is a lot people have to do. There are operational costs, sales projections, cost projections, and a lot to be done from the tenant’s point of view,” said Foht, adding that the final drawings for the facility are still being finalized as well.