A multi-family condo complex is being pitched for a forested lot along the Island Hwy. in Qualicum Beach, the third major project pitched for the waterfront lot. (Image Credit: KP Architecture Ltd.)

By Alex Rawnsley

Third time's the charm?

66-units now planned for waterfront Qualicum Beach property

Feb 18, 2026 | 4:01 PM

QUALICUM BEACH — A waterfront property under a variety of development proposals for more than 20 years could finally see some forward momentum.

Developers envision 66 units across a trio of three-storey buildings on a currently forested lot at 3022 Island Hwy. West, around 1.5 kilometres west of the Memorial Ave. roundabout.

Speaking to Town councillors at a Wednesday, Feb. 18 Committee of the Whole meeting, KP Architecture design manager Jumean Loungsay said past proposals weren’t warmly received by Councils of the day because of their expansive size and scope.

“We aim to show that our new proposal meets the waterfront master plan’s vision and while preserving the character of Qualicum Beach. We’ve taken a five-storey, 26 metre high building, and we have significantly lowered the massing of it, and now we’re proposing for a three-storey, 11.44 metre height variance.”

Past projects which failed to advance for a variety of reasons for the Island Hwy. West property. (Image Credit: KP Architecture Ltd.)

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The property has a long history at the Qualicum Council table.

Then-owners of the property pushed “The Crystal” between 2005 and 2012, which featured 42 units lining the highway.

It failed to materialize before the property was sold to its current owners.

Between 2020 and 2024, they proposed a five-storey condominium complex featuring 88 units, which Council rejected.

Loungsay said their current pitch falls into all the requirements for this property’s zoning, aside from the requested height variance of nearly four metres, and contributes to solving the local housing crunch.

A mix of two and three-bedroom units, some with dens, is planned.

“It gives a variety of unit types that can support seniors, couples and growing families. By placing the housing along the Island Highway West, we’re putting density where we belongs, it’s on a major corridor within walking distance of the beach.”

A rendering of the project as viewed from the water. (Image Credit: KP Architecture Ltd.)

An underground parking lot is included in the build, as is a retaining wall to ensure the slope behind the development is stabilized.

If the project proceeds through various approvals, a traffic study would also be done to ensure positive impacts for vehicles and pedestrians on the highway.

Project architect Larry Podhora said the project complements the surrounding area.

“It is all residential, [so] we don’t attract parking and a commercial beehive of activity along a place that should be directed to the views of the ocean and the local users. Basically, a calm, residential edge, not contributing to the traffic of the highway.”

No major concerns were brought by Councillors, who referred the project to a future meeting where they’re expected to issue notification for a public hearing.

Coun. Anne Skipsey said the current design is “quite an improvement” and she expects it to proceed through various layers of approval.

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