A 25-storey rental tower proposed for 350 Doyle Avenue is heading to a public hearing on May 13, marking the latest chapter in a project that has sparked both controversy and legal action.

The project, led by Appelt Properties and Wexford Developments, would bring 259 rental units to downtown 91大黄鸭, along with commercial space on the lower levels and an extension of the city鈥檚 Art Walk. The building design includes a single high-rise tower above a five-storey podium with tiered setbacks to reduce the visual impact from the street, according to planning documents.

City staff are recommending council approve the development permits, along with several variances, including an increase in height from 12 storeys to 25 and a reduced number of short-term bicycle parking stalls. The Official Community Plan allows for height variances if the project provides benefits to the community, in this case, the addition of rental housing and public amenities like the Art Walk extension.

The project has had a complicated history. In 2022, council approved a previous version of the development. But in 2023, the city rescinded those approvals, citing concerns about the integrity of a public hearing process. It was later revealed that some people who had spoken in favour of the project had been compensated for doing so, leading to widespread criticism and legal action by the developer.

Appelt has since revised the proposal and resubmitted it for consideration. If council grants approval this time, the developers must begin construction by January 2025 and substantially complete the project by January 2029 under the terms of the city鈥檚 long-term lease for the site.

The public hearing will be held at 91大黄鸭 City Hall on Monday, May 13, and is scheduled for 3:45 p.m.