The new Uptown precinct in Saanich is attracting more development interest.
A proposal by Abstract Developments to build a mixed-use, five-storey apartment/commercial building with two levels of underground parking at the corner of Whittier Avenue and Boleskine Road will go to public hearing Tuesday.
It’s the first new condominium-styled development in the area west of Douglas Street since the completion Uptown, Mayor Frank Leonard said.
The contemporary building would have 60 residential apartment units, (12 one-bedroom units and 48 two-bedroom units) over 1,126 square metres of ground-floor commercial space, said a staff report.
“It’s certainly responding to our community plan that wants mixed-use and density in the Uptown area,” Leonard said. “It’s identified in the CRD’s plan, not just Saanich’s plan, as a regional centre. So you want live, work, play.”
The proposed development would have five storeys along the Boleskine Road frontage. However, due to the sloping nature of the site, it would actually rise to seven storeys at the rear (south) of the property. The ground floor of the building would be office-commercial space, and there would be four storeys of residential units above.
Plans include a small public space at Boleskine Road and Whittier Avenue, which would include wood benches and shrub planting.
Leonard said the proposal did attract some concerns from neighbouring residents and businesses at the committee level about density and height. “So the public hearing will have to weigh all that input and then make a decision.”
Abstract is seeking variances to reduce the total number of parking spaces to 71 which, according to a staff report, is a shortfall of between 66 and 102 spaces depending on the amount of commercial space used for office and retail.
In addition, it’s proposed to have no designated visitor parking where the zoning bylaw would require 18 visitor parking spaces.
Normally, Saanich’s zoning bylaw would require a minimum of 137 parking spaces for the combined office and residential use. That number would increase to 173 spaces if all of the commercial space was used for retail. (Of the required parking spaces, 18 must be designated for visitor parking.)
The report also noted the site is located within walking distance to amenities and services and is close to the Douglas Street transit corridor and the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. Limited on-street parking would also be available on Whittier Avenue.
Abstract is also proposing to contribute $60,000 as seed money for establishing a new attainable housing foundation to manage funds donated from property developers and, in turn, loan money to qualified applicants as down payments for the purchase of new housing.
Alternatively, Abstract would make a $60,000 contribution to the Saanich Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
