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Affordable housing project approved by Parksville council

Project intended to improve work-force housing situation in city
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Rendering of a project proposed by the Parksville Lions Housing Society for 1225 Franklin’s Gull Rd.

An affordable housing project intended to bolster work-force housing is on its way to Parksville.

Council voted in favour of the required an official community plan (OCP) amendment and bylaw and zoning and development bylaws to allow the four-storey, 36-unit non-market rental apartment building to be constructed on the corner of Franklin’s Gull Road and the old Island Highway.

“It’s a monumental ask, to have something come to fruition like this,” said Coun. Amit Gaur during council's Dec. 16 meeting. Gaur thanked the Parksville Lions Housing Society for “their perseverance with this, for building all the housing that they have in the City of Parksville”.

The building will include 18 one-bedroom units, 15 two-bedrooms and three three-bedrooms units. The city-owned land at 1225 Franklin’s Gull Rd. will be leased to the society long-term.

The location near a busy intersection was one of the main issues expressed by concerned residents who turned out for a public hearing in November.

“This is the only serviced location in the City of Parksville available that we can contribute to this affordable housing project,” said Mayor Doug O'Brien. “The reason it’s affordable is it’s free land — and land in Parksville, within the City of Parksville, comes at a very dear price right now.”

O'Brien also pointed out that the public hearing was held at one in the afternoon when the building's potential tenants were "probably not available to go to that public hearing because they’re working."

"They’re working very low-paying jobs, quite often, I know, two jobs to make ends meet," he said. "Those voices were not heard at the public hearing, although I know that they supported this project.”

The property will see its zoning changed from Community Use and tourist commercial to Multi-Unit Residential in the OCP.

Coun. Mary Beil pointed out that the city did not hear opposition from commercial or tourism interests, and that the tourism association's strategic plan includes a desire for more non-market and affordable housing.

"And similarly from the chamber [of commerce] that is also something that’s mentioned in their strategic plan," she added. "I think that following the pandemic and changes in how people do business, it’s maybe not a surprise that’s the case."

Changing the OCP was a concern expressed at the public hearing, as was increased traffic, safety, distance from amenities such as schools and grocery stores and water shortages.

Coun. Joel Grenz said he is generally not in favour of amending the OCP, but it should be considered when there is a community benefit, including saving people money.

"If it were some for-profit thing and we're giving an OCP amendment to them to make even more profit, well that's a little bit different," he said. "In this case we're helping a non-profit help the community."

Grenz, who is council liaison to the PQB Tourism Association, added the board is excited about the location since it is close to Resort Row and people will be able to live close to their workplace.

A single-detached home's cost is in the neighbourhood of a million dollars, said Coun. Sean Wood, and added that it's not easy for people to save up a down payment of $50,000.

“I have to sleep at night and I’m going to vote in support of this,” he said.

Council voted unanimously to approve both the zoning and development amendment bylaw and the OCP amendment for the property.

Parksville Lions Housing Society intends to respond to the next Community Housing Fund program proposal call by BC Housing in early 2025, and hopes that approval from the city will help it score higher in the evaluation review, since it will be considered "shovel ready".



Kevin Forsyth

About the Author: Kevin Forsyth

As a lifelong learner, I enjoy experiencing new cultures and traveled around the world before making Vancouver Island my home.
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