A rooftop terrace and garden beds are included in a 31-micro-unit building on Robson St. (City of Nanaimo)

By Alex Rawnsley

rental suites

‘Micro-unit’ development given green light for Nanaimo’s downtown

Mar 6, 2024 | 4:25 PM

NANAIMO — Despite being small in floor space, a newly planned development in the city’s downtown is hoped to have a big impact on available rental stock.

City Councillors unanimously awarded a development permit on Monday, March 4 to developers of a 31 micro-unit complex at 337 Robson St., near the end of a cul-de-sac off Franklyn St.

Each self-contained rental unit would vary in size from around 322 square feet to 366 square feet, with the five-storey building itself also featuring a rooftop terrace and garden area.

The project was initially approved by Council in 2019 and a development permit was awarded, however shovels never got in the ground.

Developers are trying again, with mainly minor tweaks to the building design.

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City director of development approvals Jeremy Holm noted one major change is the developer is planning a wood frame construction, whereas previous iterations of the project suggested a modular construction.

Holm added the project on face value is one which is beneficial for downtown infill and density goals, but the market will decide the appetite for micro-unit rentals.

“Being downtown, with access to transit and services it makes sense and the developer believes there is a market for that and 31 units will be a good addition to housing in the area.”

He also said ongoing and past projects lend to increased density in the area as well.

“We’re seeing a number of one and two-bedroom developments as well. Telus Living is quite close by and are more standard-sized units and we’ve also seen more recently on Albert St. the conversion of…a forestry building, it was previously a medical centre and that’s being converted to micro-units.”

Two variances were included in the development permit awarded Monday night.

The City will allow the developer to build up to 16.1 metres for a portion of the building, over the 12-metre limit, while 11 underground parking spaces will be available instead of the required 14.

A variance was awarded for two parking spaces, with the developer paying the City in cash for the third spot instead of the physical parking space.

Developers have indicated they intend to cater the building to those who do not have vehicles as a primary mode of transport.

Coun. Ben Geselbracht said these types of proposals are a win for the city’s downtown.

“It’s incredibly encouraging seeing this type of development happening in the downtown. With the Telus building, there’s a lot of building coming in that’s going to substantially increase the housing availability and I think we’re starting to see the density come in to make a vibrant downtown.”

A building permit is still required before construction can begin.

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