A stately new manor could start rising from a long-vacant lot in Qualicum Beach this spring if the backers of a retirement community get the green light next week.
Victoria-based Berwick Retirement Communities, established by the Denford family, has its eyes on land in the town centre for its seventh project — and sixth on Vancouver Island.
The project goes to a public hearing and for third reading at Qualicum Beach council on Wednesday.
Berwick founder Gordon Denford said the decision to expand to Qualicum Beach is down to demographics, as the town has one of the highest percentages of people over age 65 in Canada.
He said the project has been well received.
“We hoped this would be good news for the town,” said Denford, pointing out they intend to build on a site that has been vacant for 29 years. At one point, a contentious condominium development was proposed for the site.
“A principle of ours since we started designing buildings is that they look like they belong, and the users of it, the residents, should feel comfortable that they are in tune with the community.”
So far so good.
The proposed 94-unit retirement community, Berwick’s smallest to date, already has a list of 130 people who are interested in moving in when it’s complete. Public engagement has been key.
Berwick chief executive Chris Denford said the company has done more public meetings in Qualicum than they have with any other project, and it has stressed this is a made-in-Qualicum build.
“We have been telling people we are not designing a cookie-cutter building, that each [project] is tailor-designed for the community and we are in this for the long haul,” he said.
Berwick by the Sea in Campbell River, for example, was named the 2016 winner of the Senior Housing News competition for best international design because it captured the essence of Campbell River’s history and feel of the community.
The Denfords said that will be true in Qualicum.
The design of the Qualicum project is reminiscent of a large English manor house, with modern amenities and designs throughout.
“Arts and crafts, but timeless,” said Chris Denford. “We wanted this to be tastefully done and timeless and make sure it feels very much a part of today rather than a building from yesterday.”
Berwick has two retirement communities in Victoria and one in Comox, Nanaimo, Campbell River and Kamloops. They offer features such as bistros, lounges, pubs, theatres, libraries and fitness centres.
Chris Denford said the design in Qualicum also calls for a rooftop conservatory and lounge, with a wrap-around patio.
Concerns were raised about the height of the five-storey building in a town that has a low-profile skyline. Plans have been adjusted so that the highest point of the building is below the bell tower at Town Hall, which is next door.
Chris Denford said there will be a positive economic ripple throughout Qualicum Beach because of the project.
When built, the community intends to employ 14 full-time and 36 part-time people, and the economic impact could be as much as $3.2 million annually as a result of taxes, wages and the spending of its residents and their visitors.
