Rendering of what an affordable housing complex on Franklin's Gull Rd. and the Island Hwy. would look like. The applicants intend to maintain additional trees in front of the building. (City of Parksville) 

By Ian Holmes

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PARKSVILLE — A local non-profit organization intends to build a 36-unit apartment-style building on the city’s southern edge.

Members of Parksville Lions Housing Society outlined its plans earmarked for donated City of Parksville land on Franklin’s Gull Rd. at the Island Hwy.

Society president Tom Roy provided an overview of the project involving below market and affordable housing units during a Wednesday, Feb. 21 council meeting. He said most of the units involve one and two bedrooms.

“We’ll be working closely with the Chamber of Commerce and looking for our local businesses to recommend individuals and families that would qualify for this type of housing,” Roy said.

The Society expects to hear back from BC Housing in the coming weeks on its funding proposal to support the project, which Council was told is paramount in order for the concept to proceed.

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Roy credited consultants, a builder and architect who’ve advanced the project to this stage free of charge.

The proposed on a half-acre of land at 1225 Franklin’s Gull Rd. would go to a public hearing since re-zoning is required.

Members of council spoke strongly in favour.

Expanding on what he called a huge need for local non-market housing, coun. Amit Gaur said initiatives like this are important as increasing numbers of people struggle to obtain housing.

“It’s even the working class that needs subsidized housing because it’s just unaffordable to try and get into market housing,” he said.

Coun. Syliva Martin sees the proposal as “very important”.

“It gives a balance in the city for all peoples and this is really very important for my outlook,” Martin said.

Parksville Lions Housing Society owns and operates 86 units in three Parksville apartment buildings for low income seniors and families.

Contingent on funding approval from BC Housing, a public open house would take place prior to council entertaining first reading of the proposal.

Alternate rending of the Parksville Lions Housing Society proposal. The applicants intend to retain as many trees as possible. (City of Parksville)

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ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes