By Dominic Abassi

Proposed north Nanaimo developments to add vital rental stock in key areas

Jan 22, 2018 | 10:59 PM

NANAIMO — A proposed development which would transform the northern gateway to Nanaimo is one of three projects set to significantly boost housing stock in the city’s north end.

The City is reviewing a permit application for a three building, 146-unit rental apartment development on the empty lot at 6975 Island Highway North, behind the Woodgrove Crossing Shopping Centre.

Lainya Rowett, the City’s manager of current planning, said the four-storey buildings would add a long-awaited street presence on a “gateway property.”

“People being able to live there and have access to surrounding services, employment centres, retail…Trying to build a more complete community in this urban node is something we’ve been looking at for a long time.”

She anticipated a development permit would come before Council soon. Councillors will be asked to approve a parking variance, reducing the number of stalls from the required 243 to 171. The developer indicated potential for a phase two development on the same lot in the future.

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Rowatt said the property was previously zoned for commercial use, which would have prompted the need for improvements on Mary Ellen Dr. However, a residential development would draw less traffic and the only access to the site is off the Island Highway.

Meanwhile, two other notable north end projects are progressing.

On Jan. 15, Council approved a development permit for a four-storey, 59-unit rental project at 5085 Uplands Dr. A parking variance allowing for 30 less spaces than required was also approved for the development behind Northridge Village.

Rowatt said the north end of the city didn’t see as much rental stock added in recent years and what was built was snapped up quickly. She said adding residential density in commercial cores, close to transit, is critical as Nanaimo grows.

“Having that kind of rental density here and a mix of unit types to cater to a variety of demographics is really exciting.”

Staff are also reviewing an application for two, five-storey buildings with 98 multi-family units and some commercial space at 6540 Metral Dr., across from Home Depot.

That application has yet to go to Council and will require a parking variance of 61 less than required.

All of the proposals still require building permits as well.

dom@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @domabassi