Chilliwack, BC – Chilliwack Mayor Sharon Gaetz has released the letter from the old Safeway (on Main) owners Sobey’s on their plans to demolish the two buildings (Safeway and the decrepit BC Liquor Store) as well as the timeline.
The information also shows that Sobey’s plans to sell the building off, further expediting plans for the downtown revitalization process.
Note the wording of the letter, which is almost embarrassingly apologetic to the City. (Granted Sobey’s were threatened with legal action and fines if the old girl did not come down).
Here is the letter:
Her Worship Sharon Gaetz
Mayor of Chilliwack
8550 Young Road
Chilliwack, BC V2P 8A4
Dear Mayor Gaetz,
Re: Former Safeway Store Site at 9299 Main Street and Former Liquor Store at 45777 Kipp Avenue
Further to our meeting of August 15, 2015, I would first of all like to thank you, along with your staff, for taking time out of your weekend to come up with a solution for the former Safewayand Government Liquor Store buildings on Main Street.
SDLP Snowcat Limited (“SDLP”) is the registered owner of the properties. SDLP is an affiliate of Sobeys Inc. which purchased substantially all of the assets of Canada Safeway Limited effective November 3, 2013. Sobeys is in full agreement that the properties in their existing condition are not appealing nor do they add to our mutual desire to have a vibrant downtown.
In order to expedite the potential redevelopment of the downtown property, Sobeys hereby undertakes to have the building structures on the subject properties demolished within ninety (90) days of the date of this letter; i.e. by no later than November 14, 2015. This commitment is subject to the City issuing any required permits or licenses on a timely basis and subject to any other contingency beyond the reasonable control of Sobeys. Sobeys also undertakes to have the subject properties listed for sale with a Real Estate Agent within seven (7) days of the date of this letter; i.e. by no later than August 24, 2015.
Thank you for your patience in addressing this issue. Sobeys regrets very much that the state of these properties was not addressed sooner.
Yours truly,
SOBEYS INC.
Earl Brown
Vice President, Real Estate
