A currently vacant lot along Wembley Rd. is proposed to be the site of a 70-unit residential and commercial complex, on the southern edge of the Wembley Mall property. (Google Maps)

By Alex Rawnsley

public hearing

Traffic tops concerns for opponents of Parksville housing complex

Apr 7, 2025 | 4:08 PM

PARKSVILLE — Traffic remains a primary concern for those opposed to a planned residential development near the city’s mall at Parksville’s northern edge.

A public hearing for a four-storey, 70-unit residential and commercial building along Wembley Rd., at the south end of the Wembley Mall complex was held on Monday, April 7, prior to councillors considering adoption of re-zoning bylaws.

Dave MacLaggan, a nearby Constantine Pl. resident, took exception to traffic data collection method used to support the project, stating the findings don’t reflect reality.

He said the area surrounding the Church Rd./Wembley Rd. intersection can get particularly congested.

“You’ve got to use actual traffic volumes…a count of the actual number of vehicles going through that intersection. I’ve noticed in the summer time…the traffic’s lined up right to the roundabout…so you’re sitting there for 10-15 minutes waiting to get through because of the three-way stop there.”

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He said the data presented to date was based on 2021 and 2022 information, with a percentage increase added.

Part of his request to Council during his three times at the podium was a pause in proceedings until a comprehensive traffic study can be done by an independent third party not associated with past traffic surveys at the site.

“This updated assessment must be based on actual traffic volumes occurring after the 413 Wembley apartment building has been completed and occupied so Council has an accurate traffic impact assessment report.”

Beverley Bagnalls, board president for the neighbouring Pacific Grande condos on Wembley Rd., also raised concerns about traffic volumes, in particular for evacuation routes and emergencies.

“Right now, we have [a few] ways of getting out of the area: we can go through the plaza by the liquor store, we can go up Church St…or we have to go into the next town as we’re past the French Creek border to go down to the following stop light.”

She said adding upwards of 200 units along Wembley Rd., through this development and others in recent years would clog the area.

Of the roughly half dozen people who spoke, one was in favour of the project, but also had concerns.

Richie Hughes lives on Briarwood Dr., east of the Island Hwy. and across from the northern end of Wembley Mall.

He said Wembley Rd. is not the safest area for pedestrians as it is now.

“If you were to go out to that strip of land, stand on the sidewalk there and feel what it feels like with cars going by at 60 kilometres per hour when you’re only two feet away from those vehicles on the sidewalk. I would recommend that there has to be a bike lane and maybe a reduction of speed down to 50 kilometres because it’s going to become more of a residential area.”

Five written submissions were received by the City prior to Monday’s public hearing, with four in clear opposition.

Council must still consider third reading and final adoption of zoning bylaws before the project can proceed to the permitting stage.

Editor’s Note: NanaimoNewsNOW has taken steps to verify and offer correct spellings of the names of speakers at Monday’s public hearing. Any inaccuracies or misspellings are unintentional and will be corrected as soon as we are made aware of them.

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