Artist's rendering of a redeveloped mixed-use building on the corner of Boundary and Dufferein Crescents. (City of Nanaimo)

By Ian Holmes

permit awarded

Significant redevelopment near Nanaimo hospital approved

Nov 8, 2023 | 3:02 PM

NANAIMO — City councillors have unanimously endorsed what’s expected to be the first of several complementary enhancements to the Nanaimo hospital area.

On Monday, Nov. 6 councillors awarded a development permit for a five-storey, mixed use building at 1588 Boundary Cres. at the corner of Dufferin Cres.

Described as significant improvement by City staff, the existing building formally home to a bank and dance studio will be torn down in favour of a housing/restaurant project.

The City’s director of planning and development Jeremy Holm said a dozen one-bedroom units for internal hospital workers will occupy that top three stories, while a restaurant is planned for the bottom two floors, which includes a mezzanine.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and takeaway options are anticipated at the sit-in restaurant, which Donna Hais, project manager and owner of the development, revealed last year wouldn’t be a franchise restaurant.

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Twenty-eight of the required 68 parking spaces will be secured from an adjacent parking garage, a City staff report noted.

Construction can begin once a building permit is awarded.

Overhauling the the prominent corner known as Hospital Commons is expected to be done in phases.

During a Design Advisory Panel meeting last year, Hais outlined plans for additional services on the lot to complement the hospital, such as a hotel on the lot’s southern half.

A restaurant/housing combo project received a development permit at the Nov. 13 council meeting. (City of Nanaimo)

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes