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

By Alex Rawnsley

resort drive development

Proposed Parksville grocery store to be ‘community first approach’, public hearing postponed

Oct 6, 2025 | 3:57 PM

PARKSVILLE — The size, scope and makeup of a proposed south end grocery store is a little clearer, following more details from developers.

At the request of Parksville City Council, representatives from Primex Investments answered questions and provided more specifics about a zoning amendment application for their property at 1180 Resort Dr., which includes 233 residential rental units and commercial space on the ground floor.

The focal point of a discussion on Monday, Oct. 6, was the size and aesthetic of the proposed grocery store, which could be upwards of 18,295 square feet in size.

“We believe our proposed size fits well within a warm, rustic artisan-inspired design with an emphasis on local products and community gathering,” Echo Ren, development manager, told Council. “Our more modest size reflects our commitment to a local community first approach.”

Ren further pitched a “neighbourhood-sized” grocery market and between eight to 10 small business storefronts as part of the complex, including amenities like a cafe and barber.

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She said the area is underserved by essential services, particularly grocery, with residents in the area needing to head north towards the downtown or Wembley Mall, or south into Nanoose Bay.

“Phase One alone will introduce over 230 new units into this area. The residents need access to their daily essentials close to home, and relying solely on infrastructure located elsewhere in the city of Parksville, such as the downtown core, is not sustainable.”

She added a grocery store on the southern edge of the city would increase local retention and keep Parksville residents shopping in Parksville.

Nanoose Bay, Lantzville and north Nanaimo are all popular destinations for those south of the Orange Bridge.

It could also help in reverse, according to Ren.

“When residents do shop locally, they’re more likely to make secondary stops to visit a cafe, a boutique or bank service, often in downtown area. We believe our proposed vision can draw in visitors from out of town who might stop in downtown before or after they’re visiting our grocery store.”

A major focal point for Councillors is the size of the proposed store, both from a suitability and a competition standpoint.

Ren outlined their 18,000 square foot vision is below the current Choices Market (22,000 sqft) along the Island Hwy. at Bagshaw St., and much less than a new Quality Foods storefront (52,000 sqft) on the Alberni Hwy.

She added they do not have an agreement in place with a particular business to operate the store, but noted “only a handful” of chain grocery retailers would entertain a space around 18,000 square feet, with most requiring at least nearly double.

Halting the process
A planned public hearing for Oct. 20 was officially postponed on Monday.

Due to the ongoing Canada Post strike, the City is unable to meet Legislative requirements for notice of the event.

Council will ask for it to be rescheduled after the job action ends and postal service resumes.

Mayor Doug O’Brien said Monday there has been a lot of conversation generated in the community as a result of this development.

“Your development has taken us pleasantly by surprise in that area, because it’s created a lot of excitement with our community, and we’re very pleased but it has also created a lot of excitement with our surrounding communities as well.”

Currently under construction is the residential phase of the project, featuring three six-storey residential buildings featuring a mix of one, two and three-bedroom units.

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