By Jordan Davidson

south end grocery

‘Let them do it:’ Parksville development with ground-level grocery store clears public hearing

Jan 20, 2026 | 5:37 AM

PARKSVILLE — A three-building south Parksville development with residential units on top of a grocery store has cleared the public hearing stage.

Located at 1180 Resort Dr., the size-storey multi-family residential building development is already under construction with over 200 rental units being built, with the size of the ground-level commercial development the topic of the rezoning bylaw amendment request.

During the Monday, Jan. 19 public hearing, concerns were heard about the increase in traffic to the area.

“If the developer wants a larger store, part of a chain or otherwise, it is because they want to attract many more shoppers in order to be profitable, and this means the driving public, not the walking public,” said Elaine, a Parksville resident who lives about four kilometres from the Resort Dr. proposal.

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. (Image Credit: Primex Investments)

headed to trial

Wife of Nanaimo prosecutor pleads not guilty to fraud & theft charges

7h ago

vandalism

Nanaimo RCMP investigate vandalized Iranian advocacy signs

8h ago

All Island Matchup

Clippers, Bulldogs meet in playoffs for first time since 2020

10h ago

Proponents of the project said residents of nearby Craig Bay would be able to walk to get groceries, but she disagrees, saying people will be willing to drive for the best deals.

“Considering the proposed amendment and what I think will be predictable traffic consequences if passed, I have to wonder why we even need a bigger grocery store in this location. In my opinion, this proposed grocery store, next to a crowded highway, is a disaster waiting to happen.”

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.

Parksville council received a total of 12 written submissions in relation to this project, with eight in support and one against, with several speakers present during the public hearing.

Most spoke in favour of the proposal, while still expressing concerns about increased traffic in the area and parking, suggesting future transportation upgrades might be required.

There were also concerns about another grocery store “cannibalizing” the existing ones.

Norman, who lives on Gaetjen St., about six kilometres from the site, has lived in Parksville since 1989, and said he wants to see the community continue to grow and trusts the developers have done their homework.

“The City isn’t paying for this, the private enterprise is paying for this. If they’ve done their studies and considered we need this extra amount of square footage on this particularly already approved plot in the City to build it, they’re the ones who have done the research. Let them do it. It’ll be jobs.”

This project and attached amendments still require third and final reading approval at a future council meeting.

The size of the project at 1180 Resort Dr., currently under construction. (Image Credit: City of Parksville)

We’re on Bluesky! Stay up to date on news across central Vancouver Island through Bluesky, by following @NanaimoNewsNOW.bsky.social.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

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