A multi-family development at the Green Thumb Garden Centre property in north Nanaimo proceeded to public hearing, which will occur on Jan. 24. (City of Nanaimo)

By Ian Holmes

development proposal

Transformative north Nanaimo development destined for public hearing

Dec 7, 2021 | 4:46 PM

NANAIMO — City councillors have advanced a substantial mixed use development to the public hearing stage.

A concept of 2,500 residential units on the 42-acre Green Thumb Garden Centre site in north Nanaimo near Hammond Bay Rd. cleared the first two readings during a Monday, Dec. 6 council meeting.

The Bowers District Master Plan involves a compact urban village featuring a combination of low to mid-rise buildings, along with condos above the currently allowed six storey limit.

The taller buildings are intended along the Island Hwy. and Hammond Bay Rd. portions of the site home to a garden centre since 1959.

While the residential density of less than 150 units per hectare aligns with current zoning rules, a City staff report noted the applicant wants greater flexibility in building heights and density for portions of the site.

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Aerial rendering of a plan to transform the Green Thumb Garden Centre over several decades (City of Nanaimo)

Plans for the property bordered to the east by Uplands Dr. includes commercial uses, a large park, network of trails, open spaces and a central plaza.

A collector ring road is planned from Hammond Bay Rd. at Calinda St. through to the Island Hwy at Enterprise Way.

“The plan would mitigate short-cutting through the site with no direct vehicular access from the Island Highway to Uplands Drive,” a City staff report stated.

Another vehicular link is planned off Uplands Dr.

While the balance of council endorsed the plan as it stands now, coun. Ian Thorpe felt the project was rushed and not ready for the public hearing stage.

“I have serious questions about the transportation aspect. We’re talking about probably a minimum of 2,500 units. I have a lot of questions about where those automobiles are going,” Thorpe said.

Concerns of the project’s size and traffic impacts were echoed by coun. Sheryl Armstrong, as well as a representative from the Dover Community Association who addressed council.

Coun. Tyler Brown agreed with proceeding to public hearing, stating future variance requests would be flushed out in the years ahead if the concept is approved.

“Working out those details as you get down towards a more buildable project makes a lot of sense to me. At no point in that process do I see the public not having a say in the final product,” Brown said.

If approved, the Green Thumb Garden Centre property would be developed over several decades, while various development approval processes would be required.

A public hearing for the overall vision is scheduled for Jan. 24.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes