Conceptual rendering from Memorial Ave. of a planned condo/hotel development at Hoylake Rd. (Town of Qualicum Beach)

By Ian Holmes

notable project

Significant development envisioned in Qualicum Beach

Jan 13, 2025 | 5:25 AM

QUALICUM BEACH — A multi-family residential building and small hotel planned for an important vacant Qualicum Beach lot has been introduced.

A developer intends to construct 60 two-bedroom condo units in a five storey building, along with a two-storey, 20 hotel room project on Memorial Ave. at Hoylake Rd.

While the land requires re-zoning, it aligns with the local Official Community Plan, meaning a public hearing is prohibited under provincial legislation aimed at expediting housing construction.

Jeff Windley, developer and project owner, told a Town of Qualicum Beach committee-level meeting last week two-bedroom multi-family offerings are highly sought after.

“Through our current experiences and market research we’re finding that there is a big demand for this type of product. Qualicum Beach does not have a lot of land of this nature and this size that will accommodate the housing demands that are being requested.”

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A strategic lot between downtown Qualicum Beach and the waterfront is poised to be densified. (Town of Qualicum Beach)

Windley stated the project is affiliated with the nearby Qualicum Beach Inn and Qualicum Beach Ocean Suites.

He noted there are only a handful of sites in Qualicum Beach capable of handling this type of density and they’re fully aware of many locals desiring manageable and secure downsized homes.

Windley acknowledged adjustments to the project could be made, including pushing the development further into the ground.

Eighty-three underground and surface level parking spots are anticipated.

Coun. Scott Harrison spoke favourably of the proposal, though he cautioned council requests for various adjustments may not all be met.

“There’s always give and take, so if we ask for more aesthetics and more beauty that drives up the cost to build, so then there’s other things we can’t ask for,” Harrison told the meeting following a project presentation.

Detailed designs are anticipated at a future council meeting when the project situated between the downtown village core and waterfront advances to the development permitting stage.

Existing zoning for the two-acre triangular shaped lot at 532 Memorial Ave. placed among single-family homes allows for up to a 78-room hotel, or 39 apartment units.

This sloped lot overseeing Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course and the waterfront is envisioned to include a condo/hotel development. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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