By Dominic Abassi

Council approves rezoning for 24-storey downtown Nanaimo high-rise

Nov 20, 2018 | 4:17 PM

NANAIMO — A project which would drastically transform the skyline of downtown Nanaimo has cleared a significant hurdle.

During their first official meeting since being sworn in, Nanaimo councillors unanimously approved a rezoning application to allow for what would be Nanaimo’s second-tallest building.

The proponent, Vancouver-based Wertman Development Corporation, asked for rezoning for a 24-storey building at 65 and 77 Chapel St., directly across from the courthouse. The previous zoning called for a maximum height of roughly six-storeys.

Wertman also submitted a development permit for the project in mid-September and the City said that could come back to Council for approval in early 2019.

Vice-president Jason Wertman previously told NanaimoNewsNOW their goal was to create a 109-unit “luxury condo development” geared towards retirees looking to downsize and professionals working and commuting to Vancouver.

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The proposal also included ground floor commercial and office space, an athletic club, townhouse units along Skinner St. and more underground parking spaces than required.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to see some new life injected in the downtown and to build on some of the projects that have already started in the last few years,” the City’s manager of current planning Lainya Rowett said.

The Chapel St. sites have long been used for parking and were purchased by Wertman roughly a year-and-a-half ago.

dom@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @domabassi