A rendering of the proposed development from just east of Terminal Ave., looking west up Comox Rd. (City of Nanaimo/D'Ambrosio Architecture + Urbanism)

By Alex Rawnsley

first steps

‘Transformational project’ advanced for high-profile Howard Johnson hotel site

Aug 30, 2022 | 5:26 AM

NANAIMO — One of the city’s most high-profile properties is officially on the path to redevelopment.

Nanaimo City Council unanimously passed the first two readings of zoning and land use bylaws for the former Howard Johnson hotel at the corner of Terminal Ave. and Comox Rd., along with neighbouring properties on Mill St., during their Monday, Aug. 29 meeting.

The concept plan would see the property split into six lots, each with multi-storey buildings, including two 16-storey buildings — one adjacent to Comox Rd. to the west of the property, and another on the east by Pearson Bridge.

“It is a very strategic site, some seven plus acres of land and it is very much the gateway leading into downtown Nanaimo,” Deane Strongitharm, a development consultant for D’Ambrosio architecture + urbanism told Council.

Approximately 760 residential units are included in the plan, along with a hotel and around 1,000 square metres of commercial retail space.

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An internal road network with two access points to Comox Rd., park space and linkages with Maffeo Sutton Park complete the site.

An animation of the current planned layout of six buildings on the former Howard Johnson site. (NanaimoNewsNOW illustration)

Master planner Franc D’Ambrosio said there was little inspiration to take from the current site, which has been largely dormant since 2018.

Instead, they worked to create a new urban design landscape based on existing City policy and good community planning practices.

“Everything from the variety of housing types, connecting it well to the surrounding area so it’s a walking neighbourhood, traffic calming, the commemoration of its Indigenous history and to leave behind a much richer landscape than we found.”

Minor concerns were raised by councillors regarding traffic in and out of the proposed subdivision, along with the displacement of residents in eight apartments included in the development area.

“Those apartment buildings do exist and have current tenants and although we’re looking at a couple of years down the road, I would not be comfortable unless there was some plan or provision for relocation of those current residents,” Ian Thorpe said, as he echoed concerns initially raised by coun. Erin Hemmens.

Looking southeast along the Millstone River, highlighting the proposed park land and environmental improvements to the area. (City of Nanaimo/D’Ambrosio Architecture + Urbanism)

A public consultation session in March 2022 was attended by nearly three dozen surrounding residents and provided feedback on the development.

Main topics included ensuring all parking needed for the development was contained on the property itself, with limited on-street parking available in the area.

Residents also wanted to ensure trail connections and green space were secured through the stages of development.

“This is a transformational project and I use the term ‘transformational’ in a very positive way,” Mayor Leonard Krog said. “That is a site that has cried out for redevelopment and improvement.”

Several steps must still be completed before shovels go into the ground.

Detailed design plans, public consultation, additional Council discussion following the October election and multiple development and building permits must occur.

Council looked to get a jump start on some of the red tape Monday night, by directing staff to ensure multiple conditions are included in the project should Council support the plan at third reading.

Conditions include community amenity contributions, park improvements, road dedications and public access.

The approximate area included in a redevelopment plan for the former Howard Johnson hotel and neighbouring businesses. (NanaimoNewsNOW illustration)

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alex@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley