Artists rendering of the commercial core as part of The Foothills project, which is now permitted to include multi-family housing. (Lonetree Properties Ltd.)

By Ian Holmes

increased density

Revamped Foothills development to proceed following Lantzville council approval

Oct 14, 2022 | 6:45 AM

NANAIMO — With little opposition from the public or around the Council table, Lantzville councillors have endorsed notable shifts to an ongoing housing development.

In a pair of votes following a Sept. 28 public hearing, councillors adopted a new 10 year phased development agreement to the Foothills project, which will see multi-family housing added to more condensed land use plan.

Lone Tree Properties Ltd. director and CEO Allard Ockeloen said the boost to 814 total residential units will see 350 of them be multi-family under the new agreement.

Previously 730 single-family homes were agreed to be built as part of an expansive project with more than 1,000 acres of parkland and trails.

“We needed to keep moving forward, we needed to have a multi family offering and the District needed us to keep moving forward from a revenue, water security perspective.”

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Expanding a water reservoir to serve upper Lantzville is included in the new PDA, which spells future construction plans, along with financial contributions and amenities for the district.

In return Lone Tree Properties receives land zoning assurances during the course of the agreement.

Ockeloen expects upwards of 80 multi-family units will be built before work is projected to start in 2025 on the 5,000 square metre commercial village core.

More than 100 single family homes have been built as part of The Foothills, including homes on ridges overlooking the Salish Sea.

“What remains is the difference and it’s just under 700 densities and I expect to be about 350 of the 700 by the time the 10-year term ends.”

A single letter voiced opposition to the revamped vision initiated by Lone Tree Properties, while no speakers addressed the matter during the hearing.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes