A proposed mixed commercial and residential building project in Parksville’s downtown can move forward after council granted a development variance permit and a development permit.
The four-storey development at 146 and 160 McCarter Street includes two commercial units on the main floor and 43 residential units on its upper levels.
“This is what this city needs, is some developments such as this in our downtown core. It’s going to really help the merchants downtown and it’s going to put a lot of people that aren’t able to drive down in the middle of the city,” said Coun. Al Greir.
The developer, Bruce McLay of W.B. McLay Investments, changed three one-bedroom units into three two-bedroom units and added an indoor bicycle storage room, after receiving feedback from council at its March 1 regular meeting.
The development now includes 35 one-bedroom units, eight two-bedroom units, a common room on the main level, indoor storage for 30 bicycles and indoor scooter parking.
Coun. Marilyn Wilson said she thinks the building fits well with the city’s downtown revitalization strategy and is pleased about the bicycle storage.
The variance permit allows the height of the building to be increased from 11 metres to 14.3 metres to facilitate its four stories. It also eliminated the requirement of having a space for loading and unloading vehicles.
Coun. Adam Fras said he supported the development, but was concerned about the loading space requirement being removed. He added he thought rainwater conservation methods, such as rain gardens should be included as part of consideration for future development permits.
Council unanimously approved the development permit and development variance permits.
