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A development permit was issued for a three-building development at 1209 Island Hwy. E. in Parksville, to replace the Parksville Heritage Complex, which burned down in a fire in 2022. (Image Credit: City of Parksville)
rebuilding

Drive-thru included in new development at Parksville Heritage Complex site

May 5, 2026 | 5:28 AM

PARKSVILLE — Development is proceeding at a highly visible commercial property following a fire nearly four years ago.

Councillors unanimously voted in favour of an amended development permit, with a few amendments attached, to construct three new commercial buildings and make other improvements at 1209 Island Hwy. E, better known as the former Parksville Heritage Complex site.

Concerns were raised by Council on Monday, May 4, about a proposed drive-thru going around the north side of one of the buildings, with coun. Mary Beil worried about it having a “huge impact on neighbours.”

“I can’t help but think, ‘if there wasn’t a drive-through, I would just love this’….I am concerned about the effect on residents to have a stream of headlights that are moving along, and that would be no doubt, going across to the folks who live on the other side of Arbutus.”

The existing building would have its exterior renovated to match the architecture of the new buildings.
The existing building would have its exterior renovated to match the architecture of the new buildings. (Image Credit: City of Parksville)

A majority of the Parksville Heritage Complex was destroyed in a November 2022 fire, with damaged portions eventually demolished.

Featured on site were several businesses, including a pair of restaurants, an animal hospital, and a local newspaper office.

The property is currently zoned as Highway Commercial CS-1, which is “intended to provide convenient shopping opportunities for those travelling in vehicles on the Island Highway,” with drive-thrus permitted, according to a City report.

Beil said she needed to think about the potential long-term impact on the area.

“I always look for a win-win, so I don’t want to block something like that, but without those assurances that the neighbours are not going to feel like ‘oh my gosh, I’m going to have to move or I’m going to have to buy black-out curtains,’ or whatever it is, I think it’s unnecessary.”

A pair of conditions were added to the motion prior to the development permit being approved, including more trees acting as a buffer zone to reduce light and noise for nearby neighbours, and enhanced stormwater detention on-site.

It was disclosed during the meeting a deal is in place for Serious Coffee to move from their current on-site location to the new building and will operate the drive-thru.

A rendering of the proposed development at 1209 Island Hwy. E.
A rendering of the proposed development at 1209 Island Hwy. E. (Image Credit: City of Parksville)

The proposed development would consist of a pair of one-storey buildings and a single two-storey building, with 20 commercial/retail units in total on the 1.23-hectare lot.

Parking will be provided through 119 spaces, including eight accessible and two loading spaces.

Exterior upgrades to the existing building, where Serious Coffee is presently located, will also be completed, as well as landscape improvements, with a cost estimate of almost $286,000.

No public hearing will occur for the property changes, as plans do not require a rezoning application.

A fast-moving fire broke out at the Parksville Heritage Centre building around 9:40 p.m. on November 9, 2022. The majority of the complex was deemed a total loss and torn down.
A fast-moving fire broke out at the Parksville Heritage Centre building around 9:40 p.m. on November 9, 2022. The majority of the complex was deemed a total loss and torn down. (Image Credit: File photo/Submitted)

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