Lantzville Council requested a re-worked application to address various community concerns regarding Village South. (District of Lantzville)

By Ian Holmes

Village South

Lantzville Council requests ‘improved’ application for Village South

May 5, 2022 | 4:12 PM

LANTZVILLE — Widespread opposition from many people in Lantzville seemed to hit a nerve with local councillors, who signalled the Village South plan requires more work.

A motion by Coun. Jamie Wilson called for an improved application to address numerous community concerns, including density and assurances affordable and seniors’ specific housing will be included.

“I believe that that is a good step towards trying to help this be a successful application for the future of Lantzville,” Wilson told the Wednesday, May 4 meeting.

His motion was unanimously endorsed, putting the brakes on a potential vote to advance the concept following a recent public hearing.

A developer seeks an official community plan amendment and re-zoning to establish a framework to build more than 720 homes in a mixed-use development on 60 acres.

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Nearly 1,200 people in the community of 3,800 signed a petition opposed to the concept of transforming sloped vacant land straddling Ware Rd. between Hwy 19 and Lantzville Rd.

The concept of the developer, Lantzville Projects, envisions both single-family and multi-family offerings, as well as retail and other commercial uses just south of Lantzville’s village core.

Birds-eye conceptual rending of the Village South plan. (District of Lantzville)

An April public hearing heard widespread opposition from residents, with only a few people speaking in favour.

At Wednesday’s meeting councillors acknowledged there is a need to facilitate a wider range of housing choices in Lantzville, which the Village South framework calls for.

However, Coun. Karen Proctor said the list of concerns the District has heard is lengthy, with density leading the list.

“A vast majority of people are upset by this; they’re concerned about density, I don’t think there’s any misinformation about that.”

A motion earlier in the meeting from Coun. Ian Savage to cap the project at 475 units, 100 of which would be dedicated to seniors’ housing, was rejected.

Council was told the applicant would have to consent to such a density decrease, while a separate public hearing process would be required.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes