An artist's rendering of a large single-family lot at the north end of Wembley Mall has been given approval to be vastly densified. (City of Parksville)

By Ian Holmes

project approved

Parksville council approves substantial housing development despite concerns

Dec 4, 2023 | 4:41 PM

PARKSVILLE — In the end, densifying a wooded lot envisioned by the City of Parksville for a more intensive use won out over widespread localized grievances.

During a Monday, Dec. 4 meeting, councillors approved a re-zoning proposal for a 2.5-acre treed lot on Wembley Rd. at Church Rd., located across the street from Wembley Mall in the city’s north end.

Transitioning from single-family zoning to high-density residential usage was only opposed by coun. Amit Guar.

“If this proposal had about 25 per cent retention of the wooded areas of the coastal Douglas Fir I would have considered looking at it. In my opinion this is not sustainable growth,” Guar told a Nov. 20 meeting just before the project passed third reading.

Kelowna-based Highstreet Ventures submitted plans for a pair of four-storey buildings, one with 76 units, the other with 40.

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The developer stated it will declare if the units will be available for rent or sale when the product is set to go to market.

Underground parking and a residents’ amenity building would be included, along with numerous environmental building features.

A public hearing a month ago spawned numerous concerns from area residents, most surrounding traffic and safety issues, citing the existing challenges.

However, the balance of council believes the plan, envisioned by senior City staff for future high-density usage, sided with increasing the local housing stock.

Mayor Doug O’Brien cited the existing housing crisis and the need to make decisions to benefit the most amount of people for his decision.

“I think in that particular case I’m supporting this 100 per cent because I feel it’s the right thing to do at the right time,” O’Brien said.

Blaine Russsell, the City’s director of community planning and building, said the property fits well with increased density.

“There would be synergy use with the commercial area as well with public transit, there’s a public transit hub at the mall, with respect to the OCP it is being slated for high-density residential,” he said.

A building permit is required before construction can begin.

413 Wembley Rd. will be redeveloped, to the ire of several local citizens. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes