A nine-unit townhouse development in Saanich designed to provide much-needed density - all while encouraging a car-free lifestyle - has passed the council hurdle.
Council unanimously approved the required zoning and official community plan changes for a nine-unit townhouse complex that will replace a single-family home at the corner of Richmond Road and Allenby Street. The vote followed an almost five-hour public hearing Nov. 29 which saw overwhelming support voiced for the multi-family residential development.
According to the district, itB次元官网网址檚 the first development permit application approved by council that doesnB次元官网网址檛 offer any parking.
Developer Urban Thrive says the townhouse complex is specifically tailored for middle-income families and individuals who want to live without a car, which is why no parking is being proposed for the site at 2859 Richmond Rd.
The site will include storage for 18 bicycles and additional space for nine cargo bikes. Residents will also receive a Modo car-share membership, while a dedicated car-share stall and electric vehicle charging station are planned nearby on Allenby Street.
B次元官网网址淭hese homes reflect what Saanich aspires to be B次元官网网址� a leader in sustainability and community well-being,B次元官网网址� Julian West, Urban Thrive founder, said. B次元官网网址淭his is what meaningful progress towards our housing and climate goals looks like.B次元官网网址�
Situated near cycling paths on Foul Bay Road, as well as major bus routes along Richmond and Lansdowne roads, West said the location is ideal for car-free living. He added that itB次元官网网址檚 close to services and amenities like Royal Jubilee Hospital and Hillside Shopping Centre.
Despite concerns from nearby residents that the project is too big for the predominately single-family home neighbourhood - and skepticism that people who move in wonB次元官网网址檛 own vehicles - the project was supported by a number of speakers residing in other municipalities across Greater Victoria during the public hearing.
Coun. Colin Plant acknowledged residentsB次元官网网址� fears of change, but said nine units is simply not that big. Plant said, however, that it is a step in the right direction.
B次元官网网址淭o me, this is a form of Saanich trying to find its own missing middle housing,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淎nd this is a unique project that in many ways is going to be a pilot. I recognize that a lot of the proximal neighbours are not thrilled B次元官网网址� but on balance for the entire municipality, I think this a good direction. And if we want to make change to our community climate emissions, we know that transportation and high-quality buildings are the way to do that. The status quo isnB次元官网网址檛 going to cut it.B次元官网网址�
Coun. Zac de Vries also spoke in favour of the development, saying that the nine-unit townhouse complex offers an entirely new vision for Saanich.
B次元官网网址淚f weB次元官网网址檙e reinforcing the current pattern of built environment, weB次元官网网址檙e also reinforcing the lack of affordability, sustainability and equity that weB次元官网网址檙e experiencing,B次元官网网址� de Vries said. B次元官网网址淭his application, however, is a departure from what weB次元官网网址檝e seen traditionally in Saanich B次元官网网址� it really asks the question of what types of styles of life are out there that we can accommodate.B次元官网网址�
Work on the project is not anticipated to begin for another six to nine months and construction is expected to take 12 months.
