Plans for a major development near the Millstone River on the northern edge of downtown Nanaimo are moving ahead, despite concerns raised by the Snuneymuxw First Nation.
The Victoria-based developer is seeking approval for a comprehensive development zone that would allow for 760 residential units in multi-family buildings between five and 16 storeys tall, a hotel with a conference centre, more than 10,764 square feet of commercial space and a dedicated park with a multi-use trail.
The site consists of 444, 450 and 500 Comox Rd., 55 Mill St., and 1 Terminal Ave. — the largest property at 2.59 hectares and home of the now-closed Howard Johnson Harbourfront Hotel.
Mayor Leonard Krog said in 2022 that the plan was “transformational” for that area, which is in need of redevelopment.
The Snuneymuxw First Nation has said the land encompasses a historic village site, however.
Council held off sending the project forward last summer and rescinded a previous vote where the application passed third reading, after hearing from the deputy minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. The province had appointed an official to work with the nation and developer to come to an agreement, which so far has proved elusive.
Sxwayxum village on the Millstone River was occupied when the Snuneymuxw Treaty was signed in 1854 and was supposed to be protected, but the land was instead given to private developers, Chief Mike Wyse said previously.
A 2019 protocol agreement between Snuneymuxw and Nanaimo included collaboration on a shared vision for land use.
“Any attempts to develop this ancestral village site will be plagued by opposition from our nation, delays from inevitable archaeological discoveries, and other challenges that are insurmountable without our involvement,” Wyse said in an earlier statement, calling the site “rich in cultural, spiritual and archaeological value for our people.”
In a submission to the city’s public hearing April 18, Wyse again called on council members to turn down the application, citing issues including failure to address the environmentally sensitive area at the mouth of the Millstone River.
The proposed setback at the top of the bank next to the Millstone River is insufficient, he said.
He also said he wants to see an acknowledgement of the site’s archaeological significance, adding the neighbourhood context and history were not sufficiently dealt with.
A submission from a Nanaimo resident in favour of the proposal, however, called the old hotel a fire hazard that should be demolished. Others liked the planned multi-use track.
One writer expressed concern about potential impact on the river’s estuary.
The proposal has now passed third reading by council.
The province is required to approve it if it receives a green light at city hall.
