Parksville council gave first reading to a zoning amendment bylaw that would permit a new four-storey apartment building on the Island Highway.
The proposed 28-unit development at 456 Island Highway West, by MacDonald Gray Consultants, would include 12 two-bedroom units, 16 one-bedrooms. The developer has applied to have the zoning changed from single-family residential to comprehensive development, to facilitate tourist accommodation, multi-family residential and seniors-oriented uses.
Coun. Doug O’Brien said he is not in favour of an age-specific requirement and asked if the developers would consider placing a covenant on the building.
“With the housing situation as it is now, I’m somewhat against any discrimination policies in place that could preclude the apartment rentals of young families and young people,” O’Brien said.
Nigel Gray, of MacDonald Gray Consultants, indicated he favours of a mixed-age building with seniors, independent and assisted and young families.
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There will be an opportunity for the developer to hold public engagement activity, such as an open house, before the zoning amendment is brought to council for second reading.
The developer has also agreed to a voluntary contribution of $1,000 per unit to fire department.