Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Sidney sees boom in development proposals

Developers are returning to Sidney, with the town vetting four proposals that offer a range of housing at varying prices.

Developers are returning to Sidney, with the town vetting four proposals that offer a range of housing at varying prices.

“It’s been a while since we’ve had these, and it suggests that the market is improving and that people are feeling more comfortable and looking around to build again,” Sidney Mayor Larry Cross said. “It’s been pretty quiet since 2008.”

Housing construction pulled back drastically when the recession hit five years ago.

Proposed projects include single-family houses, homes with mortgage-helping suites, micro-units, suites built to be wheelchair accessible, and rental housing.

The four proposals, which are going through the approvals process, would help address the concerns of businesses on the northern end of Saanich Peninsula about a shortage of homes for employees.

Sidney’s official community plan and local area downtown plan call for more density in the core, Cross said. Sidney is aiming to attract affordable housing for young families and encourage development of homes enabling seniors to stay in the community.

Bring more people into the community and they will support the local economy, said Coun. Steve Price, who welcomes housing that appeals to a broad range of ages, as well as owners and renters.

Resthaven Lands Ltd., owner of the former North Saanich Middle School property at Resthaven Drive and McDonald Park Road, wants to develop 37 lots on its 4.47 acres.

“The number of secondary suites or carriage homes that will be incorporated in that development really helps that workforce housing stock that Sidney is really trying to achieve,” Price said.

A proposed development on the Sidney waterfront at 9881 Seaport Pl. would permit a commercial-residential project with 30 units, Cross said.

“Units would tend to be smaller and the price points will tend to be lower,” he said. “The idea is to attract younger people into the town.”

Another plan, for a four-storey, mixed-use development with ground-floor commercial and 15 multi-family units is in the works for 9717 and 9725 First St. It includes four micro-units of about 363 square feet each.

Micro-units are proving popular. When sales opened at the Janion in downtown Victoria last month, some buyers camped out overnight to get their pick.

Another two-storey, seven-unit townhouse proposal at 2428 and 2434 Henry Ave. is designed for buyers with mobility issues.

Each unit would allow for installation of accessibility features, a report to council states. This could include installing a chair lift or an elevator, Cross said.

Meanwhile, East Shore Village is being completed by Fario Capital Properties. It features 47 units, including 11 with secondary suites, underground parking, and ground-level entry, he said.

cjwilson@timescolonist.com