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City issues foundation construction permit to Capital Pointe developer

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The company behind the Capital Pointe condo development has a further six months to begin foundation construction after the City of Regina issued another building permit for the site.

The permit issued Friday is the latest permit in a series of stops and starts on the project and developers.

Westgate is the name on the building permit, but Fortress Real Developments Inc., now handles the project. It took over from Augustine Group in 2o14, which had taken over from Westgate and BrightStar Corporation.  

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The hotel-and complex project has been plagued by delays from Day 1.

The project at the corner of Albert Street and Victoria Avenue was first launched in 2005 and approved by Regina city council in 2010. The completion date was scheduled for 2012.

“We understand and appreciate residents’ frustration on the slow progress of this construction given its high-profile location,” Louise Folk, the city’s director of development services, said of the site at Victoria Avenue and Albert Street.

The developer is taking a phased approach in applying for building permits, which is common practice for projects of this scale, she said. 

“Building permit applications are reviewed to ensure all building code standards, bylaw and legislative requirements are met,” said Folk. “If these are achieved, the city is legally obligated to issue a building permit. Once issued, it is the responsibility of the developer to ensure that their project meets all regulatory requirements including permit timelines.”

“Permit holders have six months to begin meaningful construction and two years before a building permit expires as per the city’s building bylaw,” she said. “The developer is responsible for construction as per the approved building permit. As with all construction projects, the city is inspecting the site on a regular basis and following up with the developer about construction progress, site conditions and public safety.”

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If the work authorized by a permit is not actively carried out or begins to be carried out within a six-month period following the issuance of a permit, the city has the authority to deem the permit expired.  

The Leader-Post’s calls to Fortress Real Developments Inc., was not returned Monday. 

Last year, the city issued more than 460 commercial building permits, Folk said. 

“We are very fortunate to have very few cases where work is slow to completion,” she said. “As our city continues to grow, we will evaluate policy and processes and look to other municipalities and the province for best practices to ensure that we have the right tools in place for successful growth.” 

According to the website of Fortress Real Developments, the 27-storey condominium building will house 186 units and be the tallest residential tower in the province. The multi-tiered  building will also include a 12-storey hotel with 140 guest suites. 

Currently, it remains a large gaping hole at the corner of Albert and Victoria and the lack of pedestrian access to sidewalks around the site have raised the ire of residents for well over a year.  

pcowan@postmedia.com

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