Municipalities in British Columbia review new development proposals

Municipal councils in British Columbia are reviewing new residential and mixed-use development proposals.

In Parksville, the council reissued a development permit for a three-storey mixed-use building at 155 Hirst Ave. E. The project, which includes 112 square metres of commercial space and 10 multi-family units, has an application dating back to 2018. While the permit has met guidelines on four previous occasions, some council members expressed interest in seeking feedback from the Parksville Downtown Business Association and discussed incorporating public art to enhance downtown vibrancy.

In Victoria, council members are considering a proposal to replace a parking lot at 475 Kingston St. in James Bay with a seven-storey strata building. The development would provide approximately 60 housing units. The proposal involves rezoning to allow residential use and increase maximum floor area. As part of the process, the developer has proposed a $100,000 voluntary public benefit contribution. Council discussions focused on ensuring these funds are allocated to projects within the James Bay area, such as a neighbourhood house or community meeting space.