A proposal for a five-storey, 86-unit rental building with a two-storey commercial building on-site at 5730 Turner Rd. in north Nanaimo recently had its development permit approved. (City of Nanaimo)

By Jordan Davidson

residential and commercial

Mix of residential and commercial development coming to north Nanaimo

Mar 1, 2025 | 6:13 AM

NANAIMO — A major development combining residential and commercial living is coming to north Nanaimo after a few tweaks were made to the design.

The proposal for an 86-unit multi-family building and a separate commercial building at the intersection of Uplands Dr. and Turner Rd. had their development permit approved during the Feb. 24 regular Nanaimo council meeting.

Located at 5730 Turner Rd., the five-storey rental building will consist of a mix of studio, one, and two-bedroom units ranging from 38 to 87 square metres in size.

Underground parking for residents and an amenity room with a gym and shared kitchen will also be available on the ground floor.

A rendering of the stand-alone commercial building, which will have rental space for two businesses. (City of Nanaimo)

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The developers made a few changes based on the recommendations from the Oct. 10 design advisory panel meeting, including adding a second storey to the commercial building and a butterfly roof, more wood elements and stone finishing to the building’s exterior, more vegetation screening, and seating within the plaza area.

A variance to the residential building height was also approved, standing at 16.5 metres up from 14 metres to accommodate additional density, with the original proposal offering 82 rental units.

A landscape buffer along the property lines will also be provided, while 41 additional trees will be planted and any trees currently on-site will be retained where possible.

A development permit was issued for this property in 2021 but was cancelled in 2023, with the developer making changes to the plan prior to this latest development permit application.

An overhead view of the proposed development lot. (City of Nanaimo)

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