The owners of the Village Green Centre are defending themselves over changes in transit.
On Monday, city council expressed disappointment that a land swap was not reached so a transit pullout to be constructed on 48th Avenue. Instead, a temporary stop on the road will become permanent and passengers will have to walk through the mall parking lot to reach the mall.
“Bentall Kennedy understands and values the concerns of the community,” states the company, which owns the Village Green Centre.
“Since safety concerns caused the bus stop to be moved last February, we have been working diligently with all parties involved to come to a permanent solution.”
Earlier this year, the transit stop was moved to 48th Avenue because First Canada, which operates transit, stated it couldn’t provide the service in a safe manner at the mall’s food court entrance.
The city proposed a land swap so a bus stop pullout could be constructed on 48th Avenue near the mall’s south entrance. However, an agreement could not be reached with Bentall Kennedy.
Bentall Kennedy admits it’s concerned about the comments coming from city hall.
“Although we respect the council’s authority to make this decision, we intend to have further dialogue with B.C. Transit and the city on potential solutions to address the needs of our tenants, shoppers and members of the community,” it states.
Mayor Akbal Mund will express council’s disappointment in a letter to Bentall Kennedy and B.C. Transit.
“We’re not happy and the residents of our community will have to walk across a parking lot with vehicles,” Mund told the media Monday.
“How they (mall) consider that safe for their customers, I don’t have a clue.”
According to B.C. Transit, its priorities are safety and customer service.
“B.C. Transit is disappointed that a safe and convenient location on the mall site could not be achieved. At this time customers can still utilize the bus stop on 48th Avenue,” states the agency.
“B.C. Transit will continue to work with our local partners to explore options for bus stops that are safe and meet the needs of our customers.”
