Qualicum Beach town council will hold a virtual public hearing on Jan. 27 to hear opinion on a proposed zoning amendment which would permit two multi-unit residential buildings on College Road and the demolition and replication of the Qualicum College building.
The project will total 62 residential units at 431 College Road. The developer wants to demolish the Qualicum College building and build a replica in its place, which will have 10 units. The north side of the building will vary from the original design, with larger windows and decks but the College Road side will be replicated, according to the town. There is a 16-unit building already on the property, along with the college building. The two new buildings will have 14 and 22 units.
The developer is seeking bylaw amendments to increase the number of allowable dwelling units from the current 40, as well as remove conditions on the zoning that make the project impossible.
Conditions include a request for height variance, removal of the heritage designation on the college building and a variance to parking requirements. Thirteen per cent of parking will need to be to be above ground, according to a town staff report to accommodate the new dwellings.
The developer offered to designate the college replica building as a rental for a minimum of ten years, according to the town — if the residential vacancy rate rises above three per cent for six months, the developer may request to be release from the obligations.
Town council carried a second reading of two bylaw amendments which would allow the project to move forward at its Dec. 9 regular council meeting. Anyone wishing to speak at the public hearing can attend remotely. It will also be streamed live on YouTube.
