Proposed Departure Bay rezoning sent back for density guarantees

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Located at the corner of Departure Bay Rd. and Strongitharm Ave., the property currently has one single family home on it. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Speaking on behalf of neighbours to the property, former Lynburn Cres. property owner Nicole Smith told the meeting that the move to R7 is completely unnecessary considering the current zoning allows for multi-family use.

“This would only serve to negatively affect the community and would not be in keeping with the scale and character of the homes and properties and the rest of the neighbourhood. The builder that owns the property on the adjacent corner of the Lynburn property did not request rezoning to R7, and he’s building multi-units within the R5 zoning.”

Smith told the meeting that attempting to squeeze “every cent possible” out of the property was the sole driving factor by “jamming as many units onto this piece of land as physically will allow.”

Differences between the two zoning types are subtle but potentially impactful should the current concept vision not come to fruition.

Building setbacks and heights are largely identical, however R7 zoning allows a higher lot coverage for row houses and increased density.

Many on Council struggled with how to vote for the proposed rezoning, battling with the need for more housing while ensuring the nature of the neighbourhood was protected.

Coun. Ian Thorpe said nearby residents have said they might not like the current R5 zoning and its implications, but they can live with it.

“But to bump that up to R7, I just don’t think is appropriate or necessary for big blocks of row housing in this neighbourhood. One of the delegations mentioned that development should complement the existing character of the neighbourhood, this absolutely does not.”

Traffic and access issues on Departure Bay Rd. were also seen as negatives to the proposal by those speaking out against it. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Coun. Erin Hemmens countered, speaking in support of the zoning application by saying development was already underway across Departure Bay Rd.

“There are apartments directly across the street and across the street and down a ways. I think this fits with the neighbourhood. I understand that the change is difficult, but I am in support.”

While a majority of Council voted to refer back to staff for their consideration, it appeared rezoning was largely supported.

A similarity between the two zones, coupled with the fact any proposal under the rezoning would go before the City’s Design Advisory Panel to judge form and character, was seen as a suitable moderation method.

Should the property not be re-zoned, the project would not return to Council or go through the City’s Design Advisory Panel.

Coun. Hilary Eastmure, a member of the Panel, said she’s conflicted by the project but wants to ensure the comprehensive review.

“That point around leading to a more cohesive and well-planned development, I think that is obviously going to be much more possible with the R7 zoning, because the site will be looked at as a whole, and then the Design Panel will have a chance to weigh in on the look and the layout and the landscaping.”

Coun. Erin Hemmens was the lone vote against referring the project back to staff, while coun. Ben Geselbracht recused himself from the discussion due to a perceived conflict of interest.

Local residents near the property have opposed rezoning since plans were unveiled in fall 2024. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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