Contentious Englishman River area development revised

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The original plan included an apartment component with 405 units, with the updated application reducing total dwelling units by 18.6 per cent, with a focus on ground-oriented housing.

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Contentious Englishman River area development revised

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Concerns heard during an open house in April centred on water supply impacts and environmental impacts, with the high number of units in the original design cited as a major concern affecting those issues.

Sixty-seven pieces of correspondence were received by the City before Monday’s meeting related to the proposal, with six in support, 54 opposed, and one neutral.

The developer said they plan to donate approximately 105 acres of the land as an ecological gift to the BC Parks Foundation, through a restrictive covenant in an identified heavily treed wetland area, ensuring maintained public access.

A rendering of the proposed development near the Englishman River in Parksville. (Image Credit: Waterfront Properties Corp.)

President of the developer Waterfront Properties Corp. Ken Williams, said they’d commit to contributing $1,500 per dwelling towards future water storage infrastructure, to be decided by council.

“We are setting a precedent by committing to fund our share of growth towards whatever ultimate program is adopted to expand water storage capacity. As development proceeds, we’re contributing $500,000 indexed for inflation towards the City’s Water Infrastructure Program. In addition, each phase will pay whatever development cost charges are in place at that time, including any new charges introduced for water infrastructure. Our contribution grows in step with our impact on the system.”

Williams said they would also incur around $4.7M in expenses for infrastructure upgrades and expansion in the area, which includes an interchange upgrade at the Tuan/Resort Way/ Hwy. 19A, and a service connection to 1030 Tuan Rd. per request of the Parksville Fire Department. (PFD)

A $50,000 contribution would be provided towards the relocation of the PFD’s training tower before the bylaw’s final reading.

No upgrades are planned for Greig Rd., with Williams saying the road will eventually be closed to public traffic heading into the development, with bollards in place to allow access for emergency vehicles.

The development is intended to be built on a phased basis over 10+ years, completing 30-40 units per year, with initial occupancy not expected until 2028 or 2029.

Councillors Adam Fras and Amit Gaur voted against the motion to consider the first reading of the amendment bylaw during their Sept. 9 regular council meeting.

Fras said his concerns relate to the 105 acres of gifted land, wanting the covenant to be written and a managing partner secured before first reading.

Public comments can still be submitted to council regarding this development proposal, as no public hearing is required.

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