Public hearing coming for pair of four-storey Parksville apartments

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A look at the lots for the proposed development, located at 457 and 489 Stanford Ave. E, and 472 Island Hwy. E. (Image Credit: City of Parksville)

increased housing density

Public hearing coming for pair of four-storey Parksville apartments

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Located on approximately 4.48 acres across three lots, the 134 living spaces would be a mix of studio, one and two-bedroom units at market price.

Developers say a restrictive covenant would be in place, dedicating 50 per cent of the units as rentals for 10 years, and committed to providing two per cent of universal/accessible units, equal to about 2-3 units per building.

Additional proposed amenities to the market-rental buildings include long-term indoor bicycle storage, a roof deck, available EV parking, open recreational and communal spaces, a kids’ play area, and food gardens.

The preliminary plans also include 172 off-street parking spaces, with 96 of them underground.

Hanson said their plan will build on the already successful commercial activity in the area, while being able to respond to future community needs.

“The proposed rezoning establishes a framework for transforming the property into a more complete, integrated community over time. Residential development is planned on the east and west portions of the site, while the existing commercial building remains in operation at the centre of the property.”

A pedestrian path would connect Stanford Ave. to the Island Hwy. E., allowing for walkable access to public transit.

The proposed development would be adjacent to the Tim Hortons location at 494 Island Hwy. E, while 489 Stanford Ave. currently is the site of an RV storage lot, owned by the developers.

The Canada Food Inspection Agency building, currently located at 457 Stanford Ave., would retain its existing zoning for now, with plans to possibly develop it into a commercial business in the future to complement the housing, such as a restaurant, cafe, or recreation facility.

Coun. Amit Gaur was the lone opposing vote, citing community concerns around increased density and a lack of commitment to non-market rental prices.

“I heard some strong opposition from those members about this OCP (Official Community Plan) amendment. Even though I do see the opportunity for rezoning of this to include some mixed-use, I will not support the density as proposed, but it’s definitely in the direction I want to see, that part of our town have some residents and some commercial, but not what’s being proposed at this time.”

The developer committed to contributing $800 per residential unit to the Parksville Volunteer Fire Department, for a total of up to $107,200.

Times and locations for the public hearing will be announced at a future date.

A rendering of how the proposed apartment buildings would fit on the site. (Image Credit: Harris Lankester Investments Ltd.)

The developer had originally submitted this proposal in 2022, with a few adjustments made to the plan since.

Early site assessment and a service report were completed, and an open house was held in December of that year, with less than 12 members of the public attending.

A summary of public comments provided said “feedback is generally supportive of the proposed application,” while mentioning concerns regarding adequate service and infrastructure levels for water and sewer, as well as a few concerns around increased density.

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