A conceptual plan was submitted with a rezoning application to Nanaimo City Council Monday evening for a pair of five-story multi-unit buildings with 168 units at 5360 Bergen-Op-Zoom Dr. (City of Nanaimo/Tony Harris Developments Inc.)

By Jordan Davidson

housing density

North Nanaimo lot rezoned for future multi-family housing

Jul 10, 2024 | 5:27 AM

NANAIMO — Another concept plan is shaping up to add increased housing density in north Nanaimo off Metral Drive.

A rezoning application was approved during the Monday, July 8 council meeting to turn a single-dwelling residential lot at 5360 Bergen-Op-Zoom Dr. to medium-density residential, with a proposed conceptual plan for a pair of five-storey residential buildings with 168 units.

The City’s director of planning and development Jeremy Holm said this development off the southern end of Metral Dr. falls under new provincial rules designed to speed up housing projects.

“In this case, a public hearing is prohibited under recent provincial legislative changes as the proposal is 100 per cent residential. Anything greater than 50 per cent residential a Council is prohibited from holding a public hearing.”

The property is located along the Metral Dr. corridor, near transit services and a complete street (Metral Dr.) with dedicated bike lanes included.

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A public information meeting was held on Feb. 9 at Pleasant Valley Social Centre, where around eight members of the public attended.

At least one comment was made in support of the project, while concerns were also expressed around parking, traffic, tree removal, building heights and drainage.

(City of Nanaimo)

All three readings of the rezoning application were approved unanimously by City Council.

Also approved were some conditions for rezoning, including the design of a possible onsite roundabout, said Holm.

“What’s proposed as well are community amenities contribution, in-kind in this case. Public pathway improvements, and improvements to upgrade Bergen-Op-Zoom Dr. to include pedestrian and cycling facilities, as well as pedestrian connections to adjacent development on Dublin Way.”

Those contributions could also include future consideration for a connecting pathway to Amsterdam Park, road upgrades within the area, and environmental protection fencing along the wetland setback.

A development permit still needs to be issued at a future council meeting, and any additional proposed variances or changes to the rezoning conditions on the site would be confirmed through a design review at that stage.

“The proposal is adding much-needed housing in the area, it’s close to great active transportation infrastructure and services, and very much in line with the official community plan policy for the property,” said Holm.

5360 Bergen-Op-Zoom Dr. currently contains a single house and several accessory buildings, as well as mature trees and a watercourse in the northeast corner. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow