Desi Today Magazine
A major section of Vancouver’s Punjabi Market will have a fresh look as a new development is set to emerge, significantly changing the landscape. The northwest corner of Main Street and 49th Avenue is currently undergoing preparations for construction of a mixed-use building, featuring 75-rental housing units with new retail spaces at street level.
“This project is going to have a positive impact on the Punjabi Market”, said Daljit S. Sidhu of the Punjabi Market Association on Monday. “We believe this will lead to the Punjabi Market becoming an attractive destination once again.”
The project is scheduled to be completed by the Fall of 2018 and is being developed by Vancouver-based Orr Development, who have owned property in the Punjabi Market for decades.
“Our family has owned this property for over 50 years, and we have a great appreciation for what the Punjabi Market means to the Punjabi community”, said Tim Orr of Orr Development. “It is why we have committed to having the Punjabi community’s contributions and history reflected in the project.”
Orr Development has partnered Bhupinder Hundal and Randip Janda of Cross Connect Media to work with the Punjabi community and guide Orr Development in creating the appropriate recognition of the Punjabi community and its connection to the market.
“We have received some great feedback through our consultation with the community on what they would like to see,” said Hundal. “We have several options on the table and are currently in the evaluation stage. We hope to finalize a decision soon.”
