Parksville Lions Housing Society hopes a south Parksville lot will be transformed into its fourth complex to serve the community. (City of Parksville)

By Ian Holmes

housing debate

Area residents oppose Parksville affordable housing concept

Nov 22, 2024 | 2:19 PM

PARKSVILLE — Efforts to establish a 36-unit south Parksville apartment building geared toward the working class clashed with those opposed.

During a City of Parksville public hearing this week, most speakers, many of them local area residents, outlined why they’re against the vision of Parksville Lions Housing Society (PLHS) for the corner of Franklin’s Gull Rd. and Hwy. 19A.

An official community plan amendment and rezoning are required to advance the non-market, affordable housing concept on half an acre of vacant, City-donated land.

Julie Gibler, one of several Salt Spring Pl. residents who addressed the mayor and council, said this housing plan is in the wrong location.

Gibler said the lack of nearby essential amenities renders the housing unsuitable for potential residents.

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“There are no nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, health care services or gas stations, so occupants that do not have a car will be having to rely on walking, biking or using public transportation to get to town.”

Prior to the Monday, Nov 18 hearing, nearly three-quarters of 178 formally submitted signatures to the City of Parksville demonstrated clear opposition.

Busy highway traffic, a lack of sidewalks and the distance away from Parkville’s city core were repeatedly referenced by critics during the hearing.

“A good project in a poor location easily becomes a poor project,” Salt Spring Pl. resident Jim McKinley told the public hearing.

He referenced a public information open house session this past summer where “loud and clear opposition” was demonstrated.

Rending of a proposed south Parksville workforce affordable housing project. (City of Parksville)

While most people addressed the microphone at Parksville City Hall opposed, support for the cause was also put on the record.

PLHS president Tom Roy said significant amounts of planning has gone into the affordable housing plan.

“We have completed all of the studies required by the City planners and engineers and no issues have been presented. We have received pre-development funding from BC Housing, so they also feel that this is a viable project.”

Underground parking would be included, he said.

Roy raised concerns about high numbers of people in the Parksville area committing well over half of their income to cover rent.

Zoe Kirk lives in an existing PLHS complex for seniors.

She made an impassioned plea during the meeting in support of more badly needed local affordable housing.

“All of their management dollars stay here. And then it provides a place for people that need a home that want to live and work here but can’t afford housing to at least get a start.”

She told the hearing that she wouldn’t be living in Parksville if it weren’t for the society’s backing.

“Yes, location is never perfect,” Kirk said. “We’ve all been around long enough to know always somebody is going to have a complaint.”

Parksville councillors previously expressed strong support for south end project.

Endorsements from council at the third and fourth reading stages are required for the project to advance to the permitting phase.

PLHS currently owns and operates 86 units in three Parksville apartment buildings for low income seniors and families.

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes