A new five-storey apartment complex along Dufferin Cres. in Nanaimo is moving ahead following issuing of a development permit Monday night. (D-Architecture)

By Alex Rawnsley

high density

Five-storey apartment complex approved along Nanaimo’s Dufferin Cres.

Dec 21, 2024 | 6:01 AM

NANAIMO — A presently vacant lot near the hospital is poised for re-development.

City Councillors unanimously awarded a development permit for a proposed five-storey, 86-unit apartment complex at 1740 Dufferin Cres., near Bowen Rd., on Monday, Dec. 16.

Jeremy Holm, City director of planning and development said the building would add housing to a key area of the community.

“It’s undeveloped at this point, close proximity to Bowen Rd., transportation there and as well as all the services. The hospital, NRGH is close by. The building is well separated from adjacent uses by roadways, pathways and parking.”

Underground and surface-level parking will be included on the site. (D-Architecture)

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The units would be primarily one and two bedroom suites, with a pair of three-bedroom units planned.

Each unit would have their own private balcony, in addition to access to common areas including a pergola with outdoor seating, fenced dog area and a rooftop space.

One level of underground parking is envisioned, with capacity for 81 vehicles, while another 57 surface spaces will be contained on the property.

Forty-five long term bicycle storage spots are also allotted, in addition to 11 short term bicycle rack spaces.

As part of issuing the development permit, Council also granted a height variance for the property at 16.91 metres, over the allowed 14 metres.

A shadow study was done by the developer to support the variance request, which showed minimal impact of building shadows for surrounding properties.

The new complex will go on a currently vacant lot along Dufferin Cres., next to a busy intersection and strip mall complex. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Coun. Janice Perrino said Council had received an email from a concerned neighbour, but the benefits to this project couldn’t be overlooked.

“With the future construction of the BC Cancer Agency for Nanaimo and all of the staff we will have coming to town, as well as when we do get the expansion for the hospital and the cath lab and all the future staff that will be coming town, this an important development and very close to the hospital. It’s a good addition.”

Coun. Sheryl Armstrong was concerned about traffic volumes and potential for an already crash-prone area to worsen.

She said there are a lot of “near misses” as traffic negotiates a turn on Dufferin Cres., with vehicles coming in and out of two shopping areas and off Bowen Rd.

“That is a big concern for me because I think down the line we’re going to have to look at putting lights in there because it’s an extremely dangerous intersection.”

The main access to the property will be off an existing shared roadway where vehicles access either the Rexall Pharmacy, or a neighbouring residential complex.

A building permit is still required for the project to proceed.

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