Vancouver residents will soon get another opportunity to speak out on the issue of big-box stores – including Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire's proposals for new stores in the city.



The Wal-Mart store proposed for
Vancouver's Marine Drive (CBC)
Vancouver city council has decided to hold a public hearing on what to do with an industrial area of Marine Drive west of Main Street.

That's where the two retail giants had tried, and failed, to get permission to build in 2005.

The city has three options for the land. It could keep the current policy, which allows applications from big-box stores, it could bar stores like Wal-Mart or it could limit what can be sold by stores in the area.

City council now wants more public input on what to do with the industrial area.

Coun. Peter Ladner said there was some confusion the last time the issue was discussed at council.

"There were two debates going on. One debate was about whether these lands were appropriately used for HOR: Highway Oriented Retail. And the second one was about the merits and demerits of the Canadian Tire proposal and the other one."

City staff will meet with residents, and business and property owners, and there will also be a public meeting at council. No date has been set for the consultations.