A development permit has been awarded for a 54-unit multi-family housing development on Turner Rd. near the Englishman River. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

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Following lengthy debate, multi-family housing approved beside Englishman River

Sep 7, 2024 | 10:58 AM

PARKSVILLE — A housing boost nestled alongside Parksville’s environmentally sensitive Englishman River has been given the go-ahead.

On Wednesday, Sept. 4 Parksville City Council approved a development permit for 54 units of two and three bedroom homes at 703 Turner Rd. at the south end of the city east of Hwy. 19A.

Located 75 meters from the river, and just 15 meters from a side channel, the proposal aligns with existing zoning rules allowing for a variety of low to medium-density housing.

In response to local concerns, project proponents informed councillors that their vision was revised in multiple ways, including trimming down from earlier permitted vision of 69 units.

Mayor Doug O’Brien enthusiastically supported the project, saying different types of housing options are required for the community to be sustainable for future generations.

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“The City of Parksville is increasingly under pressure to change our demographic to make it more family friendly with the intention of attracting more working people in a welcoming place for them to have families.”

Mayor O’Brien said continually adding multi-family housing is critical in alleviating high real estate prices and luring various badly needed professionals to Parksville.

The property, previously cleared of trees is in a flood zone, however the the B.C. government and various experts, including a flood engineer, have all signed off on the project, council was told.

Various environmental features such as solar panels will be included, while a storm-absorbing rock garden and planters are also part of the developer’s plans.

Electric vehicle chargers are pledged for every unit.

No height or setback variances were requested by the developer.

Artist’s rendering of a newly approved housing project alongside the Englishman River. (Ladr Landscape Architects)

Revisions and the various environmental features weren’t enough to dissuade coun. Amit Gaur, who was the lone councillor voting the application down.

“The concerns that the neighours have are quite valid, I hope you understand that — having 54 units so close to the river, which is again way more than the entire neighbourhood combined.”

While coun. Sylvia Martin ultimately voted in favour, she scrutinized having a project of this size so close to the river’s edge.

“I am concerned about the habitat and not as many people near the river and this is the challenge we’ve been having with any development,” Martin said.

Coun. Adam Fras was absent from the meeting, while Coun. Mary Beil cited a conflict of interest and recused herself from voting.

A delegation by project proponents and ensuing discussion by councillors dissecting the project lasted nearly an hour.

A building permit is still required before shovels can get into the ground for a project slated to be done in phases and expected to take three years to complete.

The site is located adjacent to a 13 acre forested property owned by the Nature Trust of BC, who’re conserving the land in partnership of the City of Parksville.

About seven acres of land near the mouth of the Englishman River was transferred to the Nature Trust of BC three years ago following a donation from the Wilson 5 Foundation.

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