LangfordB次元官网网址檚 downtown core might see some more growth upwards in the near future.

Three 12-storey residential and commercial towers at the corner of Peatt Road and Goldstream Avenue are being recommended for approval by the cityB次元官网网址檚 planning, zoning and affordable housing committee.

The project would combine 10 parcels of land that run along Peatt Road between Goldstream and Hockley avenues, into three parcels. Most of those lots are currently residential with the exception of a consignment store on the corner of Peatt Road and Goldstream Avenue.

The towers would have commercial space on the ground floor and residential units above.

The unique thing about them, according to Langford Mayor Stew Young, is that they would be constructed out of wood.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 kind of groundbreaking,B次元官网网址� Young said.

READ ALSO: New rent-to-own units attracting attention in Langford

The City signed an agreement with the provincial government to use wood in taller buildings and Young said it would be a great use of local materials.

B次元官网网址淭hat puts some life back in the forest industry,B次元官网网址� Young said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 about time we started looking at what we have available in Canada and start to promote the use of wood because it grows right here in B.C.B次元官网网址�

The proposal also fits into the City of LangfordB次元官网网址檚 Official Community Plan, which calls for more density downtown, Young said.

The plan designates the City Centre as an area that supports high density housing, B次元官网网址� both affordable and rental B次元官网网址� employment, civic uses and community gathering. It is also supposed to be the CityB次元官网网址檚 major entertainment and culture area as well as a transit hub.

Young said building taller buildings saves on valuable land space. He also said the project will create jobs in Langford, a city where 60 per cent of the population works in the trades and industry.

B次元官网网址淟angford is quite supportive of this,B次元官网网址� Young said. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e making sure that we have jobs for the people.B次元官网网址�

For those that may be concerned about increased traffic and congestion, Young said increasing density in the core should make things better, rather than worse.

READ ALSO: Rezoning application includes 12 parcels in LangfordB次元官网网址檚 core

He noted for people living in the core, everything they need will be within walking distance and there wonB次元官网网址檛 be any use for their vehicles, especially as more businesses come to the core as well. Increased service from BC Transit over the years has also helped with traffic.

B次元官网网址淭wenty-five years ago you didnB次元官网网址檛 have that in Langford, you had to drive everywhere,B次元官网网址� Young said.

In a city were about 70 per cent of single-family homes are owned by residents Young said projects like this will help maintain that trend, giving residents the opportunity to save for a single-family home.

B次元官网网址淎ffordable housing is important and itB次元官网网址檚 councilB次元官网网址檚 job to make sure itB次元官网网址檚 one of our biggest priorities so that people can actually own a home in Langford,B次元官网网址� Young said.

Next steps for this proposal will include a public hearing and then it will be brought to council for approval.

The applicant is intending to start construction on the most southern property which abuts Hockley Avenue, according to the proposal.

Council would first have to increase the maximum height allowed for buildings in the zone from 11 to 12 storeys and also allow the buildings to be within 30 metres of each other.

shalu.mehta@goldstreamgazette.com

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