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Conceptual plans revealed for tennis club site

Holborn Group looking to provide seniors housing as part of their project

Whistler's seniors got a sneak peek this week at what could be the first seniors housing project in the resort.

At a meeting Tuesday night between the Mature Action Committee and Vancouver developers The Holborn Group, seniors were presented with conceptual plans for the future development of land at the Whistler Racquet Club.

Though the land is zoned for a nine-storey hotel, the developers are hoping the municipality will rezone the land for a townhouse and condo development.

Holborn also wants to include a seniors housing complex on the site.

A preliminary architectural drawing shows a three-storey seniors complex at the entrance to the property, abutting the Valley Trail. The building, as presented on Tuesday night, could have 35 units made up of one-bedroom plus dens and two-bedroom units.

A show of hands from MAC members revealed there was more interest in bigger units. It's that kind of information Holborn is looking for at this point as they canvass the community for input.

MAC members also highlighted the need for a workshop space in the building, a multi-purpose room or guest room and lockers in the basement for underground storage of all their toys.

The members are split on one major issue, however: the type of housing they're looking for.

Some members want restricted seniors housing with a price cap, just like employee housing; others are looking for market seniors housing. Some are also looking to rent.

While those details still need to be resolved, Holborn and MAC agree on one important detail. The location of this project, on the edge of the village, close to amenities and transit, with the Valley Trail nearby, is perfect for seniors.

At one point there was talk of relocating the racquet club to the park in Spruce Grove. Due to a lack of support for that concept, the company now proposes to upgrade the existing tennis club facilities, with squash courts, fitness facilities, and expanded change rooms. The indoor tennis court bubble would be replaced with a permanent structure and more indoor courts.

The housing could be ready for occupancy by the end of 2007.