An affordable rental-housing project adjacent to the University of Victoria received unanimous support from Saanich council at a Tuesday night public hearing that attracted only one member of the public — who expressed support.
The Capital Region Housing Corporation project on McCoy Road calls for the demolition of an existing 12-unit townhouse complex to make way for 119 townhouse units in two six-storey buildings.
The 12 current tenants were given first right of refusal to live in the new complex, which would include 17 studios, 55 one-bedrooms, 12 two-bedrooms and 35 three-bedroom units.
Coun. Karen Harper said she and her colleagues at the hearing “were all singing its praises,” and the Gordon Head Community Association had previously given its support.
She said the fact that just one person showed up and was in favour of the project “speaks volumes about it.”
“It was a very positive meeting.”
Council voted unanimously in December to send the project to a public hearing, which was required because it needs an Official Community Plan amendment, since the existing zoning has a four-storey limit.
Included in the plan are outdoor seating, private patios and a large central patio, raised planters, a barbecue area and a playground.
Harper said that 20 per cent of the units will be for people who are on income assistance.
