Trees are planned to be retained in front of a future workforce housing project on Hwy. 19A in south Parksville. (City of Parksville)

By Ian Holmes

subsidized housing

Zoning for Parksville workforce housing approved

Feb 3, 2025 | 4:25 PM

PARKSVILLE — Despite opposition from some local neighbours, 36 subsidized apartment-style units are destined for the citys southern edge.

On Monday, Feb. 6, Parksville city councillors unanimously gave final approval to land zoning changes required to establish non-market housing geared toward the working class at the corner of Franklin’s Gull Rd. and Hwy. 19A.

The building will be operated by Parksville Lions Housing Society (PLHS) in partnership with BC Housing.

All of the units will be below market and affordable housing, with most of the units one and two bedrooms, PLHS president Tom Roy previously reported to Parksville City Council.

The concept includes underground parking.

tarriff free

'Income stability and dignity:' Global Village Nanaimo cuts out middlemen

3h ago

deliberate act

'He lit this fire intentionally:' passerby intervenes after cardboard ignited in vacant north Nanaimo lot

16h ago

restrictions in place

Nanaimo massage therapist accused of sexual misconduct

18h ago

A public hearing last November heard nearly three-quarters of about 180 formally submitted signatures demonstrate clear opposition to the project.

Several local residents vocalized their concerns at the public hearing, stating the proposed location was the wrong one.

Objectors pointed to busy highway traffic, a lack of sidewalks and the distance away from Parksville’s city core as factors making it unsuitable for the building’s tenants.

However, Parksville City Council strongly backed the vision, with Council pointing to the impact a dire lack of low-cost housing is having on the local population and the community’s sustainability.

Coun. Amit Gaur told an open meeting last February the project represents an important venture, pointing to high numbers of people struggle to obtain housing.

“It’s even the working class that needs subsidized housing because it’s just unaffordable to try and get into market housing,” Coun. Gaur said.

Official community plan amendment and rezoning was required to establish the necessary land designation of multi-unit residential to advance the project.

Development and building permits are required before construction can begin.

Parksville City Council gave third reading to the land use request on Dec. 16.

The City of Parksville donated the land for the PLHS application situated on a half-acre vacant lot at 1225 Franklin’s Gull Rd.

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

Follow us on Facebook. Join Everything Nanaimo on Facebook and stay connected with everything happening on central Vancouver Island.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook