A new car dealership to replace an existing one on Bowen Rd. at the Island Hwy. is advancing through the City of Nanaimo's approval process. (City of Nanaimo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

project proceeding

City council awards development permit for dealership featuring ‘exotic and rare vehicles’

Sep 26, 2023 | 4:19 PM

NANAIMO — One of the city’s most prolific intersections appears to be in for a change with the expected future addition of a new car dealership.

Councillors unanimously approved a development permit for a multi-storey building at 2595 Bowen Rd. during the Monday, Sept. 25 council meeting.

Located where Bowen Rd. meets the Island Hwy. at the current home of the VI Drives dealership, a City staff report noted the application is for an “automobile, sales, service and rental development.”

A pending new car dealership in Nanaimo is dubbed ‘The Clubbouse’ in project renderings. (City of Nanaimo)

A rooftop deck for staff and customers is included in the plan.

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“The building incorporates three-storeys of vehicle display serviced by a car elevator facing the corner of the Island Highway and Bowen Road,” noted the report.

Several variances were approved for the dealership which is expected to include a range of high-end and rare vehicles.

Building height and parking requirement easements were among multiple variances recommended by City staff and subsequently approved.

The building’s height was green-lit at 15.3 metres, which is above the area’s 14-metre limit.

“…robust landscaping is proposed around the perimeter of the site; and as trees have been clustered to enhance sight lines similar to other auto dealerships,” the City staff report stated.

A building permit is required before construction can proceed.

NanaimoNewsNOW reached out to VI Drives for additional information about the development.

A notable planned feature for an anticipated future Nanaimo car dealership is a prominent covered entrance, commonly referred to as a porte cochère. (City of Nanaimo)

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