Three adjoining lots on Pioneer Cres. and the Island Hwy. at Mills St. are slated for redevelopment, however it's unlikely the initial vision of a four storey apartment block will come to fruition. (Image Credit: Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

neighbourhood form and character

Apartments ‘out of the question’ for south Parksville properties, but development still possible

Mar 17, 2026 | 12:23 PM

PARKSVILLE — An envisioned apartment complex didn’t leave the starting blocks Monday, however development is still likely on the unique south-end property.

City councillors failed to find much support for a proposed four-storey apartment building on a trio of lots between Island Hwy. and Pioneer Cres., at Mills St., via a site-specific zoning amendment application presented Monday, March 16.

Preliminary concept plans for the building would see 38 studio, one and two-bedroom rental units built on the Pioneer Cres. side of the property, while existing commercial businesses facing the Island Hwy. would receive some minor facade upgrades.

Karter Parisloff, development manager for District Developments Corp., who plans to own and operate the units, told councillors the proposal aligns with City goals pertaining to commercial and multi-family land uses in the neighbourhood.

“The intent is to create a development that fits well within the surrounding area while also making efficient use of a centrally located site. The location is highly accessible, with convenient access by car, transit, bike and foot. The site is located close to commercial services, including restaurants, retail and everyday amenities.”

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Two single-family homes (402 and 416 Pioneer Cres., as well as a glass repair shop and a car rental business (405 Island Hwy. East), currently reside on the lots.

The lots feature a pair of single-family properties closest to Pioneer Cres., with commercial businesses facing the Island Hwy. (Image Credit: Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

The prospect of four-storeys immediately opposite a single-family residential neighbourhood was one Council were not keen to entertain.

Mayor Doug O’Brien admitted to potentially having “a bit of a bias” regarding the Pioneer neighbourhood but said any development in the area would have to complement the existing character.

“I’ve viewed the size of the lots, [they’re] decent-sized lots, and [you] could easily do townhouses or complexes and so forth…would be a better fit, in my mind, that’s what I would hope for this location. The density and the massing of this is just too large in fitting with the rest of the buildings already existing in that neighbourhood and even the new buildings that are coming up.”

O’Brien, along with many others on Council, were keen to have developers return with updated designs pertaining to lower-rise housing options for the large parcels of land.

He said a four-storey building “in my mind, is out of the question for this particular site.”

Others concurred.

Coun. Joel Grenz said four storeys on Pioneer Cres. “is going to be a real challenge” to proceed through Council, with notable public comment already being received on the proposal.

“When we see next door neighbours right now, they are single family. They won’t be probably forever, but how can we build something that’s going to be a good transition between Pioneer Cres. and Island Hwy.?”

The unique lots pose a challenge for developers, tasked with bridging the gap between a high-traffic, commercial area and a quiet residential neighbourhood, in a single project. (Image Credit: Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

The unique character of the Pioneer neighbourhood, its proximity to the Englishman River, and the unusual location of the lot, joining a quiet residential area with a highway, wasn’t lost on coun. Amit Gaur.

“I think there’s a great opportunity to work with you folks on this. Make sure a proposal that comes forward, taking into account concerns of the neighbourhood and something that works for everyone.”

Councillors unanimously voted down a staff recommendation requesting the owners hold a public open house to gather feedback on their proposal, ultimately sending the zoning amendment application back to staff for further discussions with the owners.

The move means District Developments Corp. could potentially return at a future meeting with updated designs to reflect Council and early community feedback.

District Developments Corp. owns and operates 18 projects across nine different communities, with a primary focus on Vancouver Island.

Those projects include apartments at the corner of Despard Ave. and Moilliet St. in Parksville.

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