After Saanich council approved a major facelift of Broadmead Village Shopping Centre last August, the developers have learned that some structural limitations won't allow them to build what was originally planned.
On Monday night Saanich council had its first look at an amended development plan for the large two-decade-old shopping centre off Royal Oak Drive.
While many storefronts will still see the introduction of contemporary wood, metal and glass canopies, certain existing buildings are structurally too weak to hold such a canopy.
Instead, council learned that fabric awnings will be used, in lieu, in a number of locations around the site.
"I think the glass-steel timbers would be a lot more attractive. This is not as clean of a look," said Coun. Paul Gerrard. "I'm not particularly happy with this."
Sheldon Chandler, with Chandler Associates Architect Inc., agreed, but said the lighter, black awnings are necessary changes, as the existing buildings won't allow for the retrofits.
The amendments did not go through a full public process, as they were relatively minor, said Alison Miles Cork, asset manager with Grosvenor Americas, the property management company that owns Broadmead Village.
The Broadmead Area Residents' Association did, however, give the amendments its stamp of approval.
Saanich council unanimously approved the amendments.
As part of the overall $6.5-million upgrade, Broadmead storefronts will be modernized with fresh signage and new facades, while sidewalks will be widened in a renewed emphasis on pedestrian access.
Key to the facelift is redeveloping the existing pedestrian breezeway with more outdoor seating to create a community gathering place. At the centre will be a gas outdoor fireplace.
– with files from Edward Hill
kslavin@saanichnews.com