Already under construction, developers are looking to adjust the allowable space for a proposed grocery store at 1180 Resort Dr., where over 200 rental units are being built. (Primex Investments)

By Alex Rawnsley

RIPPLE EFFECTS

Public hearing set for south Parksville development, despite grocery store concerns

Sep 3, 2025 | 4:30 PM

PARKSVILLE — An expansive residential development already under construction will go to public hearing for feedback on its proposed neighbourhood grocery store.

Residents will get an opportunity next month to voice their opinion on a rezoning bylaw amendment request from developers of 1180 Resort Dr., with the size and scope of a planned grocery store the focal point of discussions.

Coun. Amit Gaur said, during Council’s Wednesday, Sept. 3 meeting, he’s concerned about making the allowable size of a commercial unit on the property too big and petitioned for a business impact study to be completed by the developer as a condition of this rezoning.

“The impact on our downtown businesses is going to be profound, in my opinion, and for something like that to fit into a tourist commercial zone, I don’t think personally, it’s appropriate for the neighbourhood the size that’s been proposed and all the variances that are being asked for at this time.”

Under the proposed amendment, one commercial unit on the property could have a maximum floor area of 1,700 square metres, or nearly 18,300 square feet.

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For comparison, it would allow a grocery store approximately half the size of the Save-On-Foods at Wembley Mall in the city’s north end.

A rendering of the proposed development, with over 200 units of housing coupled with a grocery store and attached amenities. (Primex Investments)

Support for Gaur’s request, and the delays to the project it would likely cause, were mixed.

Some on Council echoed his concerns about impacts on other businesses in the city, however, most suggested any concerns from residents or business owners would arise during the required public hearing.

Mayor Doug O’Brien said the applicant has already done everything asked of them and wouldn’t build a store of this size if they didn’t believe it would be successful.

Speaking against Gaur’s proposal, O’Brien said competition is good, and this store would not only serve south Parksville residents, but also those in Nanoose Bay with limited grocery options.

“You’re just delaying the process for a grocery store that’s going to happen regardless of size, and so by suggesting that the applicant will spend $20,000 or $30,000 to provide an impact assessment study is unfair to the property owner, quite frankly.”

O’Brien added existing public consultation from the developer on the overall project has been overwhelmingly positive, including the addition of a grocery option.

He added options for south Parksville and Nanoose residents means less traffic through downtown Parksville, no slowdowns over the Orange Bridge, and would come at the benefit of other south end developments.

“I’ve had much communication from our community saying ‘thank goodness’, because it’s right on Resort Dr. and Resort Dr. is producing…a large amount of visitors that are not just here for the summertime, they’re actually winterizing in Parksville as well.”

A public hearing is scheduled for Oct. 20, to be held during Council’s regular meeting beginning at 1 p.m.

Developers are also being asked to attend an Oct. 6 meeting to speak to their plans and answer questions from Council about the size and scope of the envisioned store.

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