Nanaimo’s strong population growth is poised to continue with council approving two major developments this month.
Plans call for the projects to be built out over several years. Once complete, they could add up to 4,700 new homes to the city, which has been growing by two per cent annually and now has an estimated population of 100,000.
Each project — the Bowers District plan in the north end of the city and Sandstone in the south — saw the majority of council approve third reading of needed bylaws. Votes followed public hearings.
Final city hall approval comes with fourth and final hearing, typically a formality.
The 42-acre Bowers District on Hammond Bay Road went to public hearing Thursday for an amendment to the official community plan. The site could eventually hold 2,500 new homes. The Sandstone project, which was also seeking amendments to the community plan, went to public hearing on Feb. 17. Its 726 acres could lead to 2,200 homes, as well as employment-generating industrial uses and commercial space.
Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog welcomes the developments saying, “We are desperate for housing.”
The city’s vacancy rate is close to zero, he said Friday.
Each project foresees an environment where residents can work, shop and enjoy outdoor spaces close to home. The approach is for a “15-minute community” with housing, jobs and services available within that driving time frame, Krog said.
Sandstone residents, for example, may not have to drive north to major shopping areas but would be able to find what they want closer to home, Krog said.
Staying close to home cuts down on driving a vehicle and thus helps reduce emissions. “This is just basic planning and a response to the reality,” he said.
The Bowers District plan may see some changes because individual elements will have to come back to council for rezoning approval, he said.
Wilhemina Group Ltd. Partnership’s goal is to create a “compact urban village with a focus on high-quality open spaces and pedestrian-friendly design.”
It would include a two to six storeys walkable village with a central plaza and a mixed-use main street.
A large multi-function park and gathering space will be at the heart of a trail and open-space network.
Higher-density areas would be in the northern and western parts of the site. A mix of housing could run from three to six-plus storeys and include more commercial uses and open spaces.
Seacliff Properties Ltd. is at the junction of Highway 1 and the Duke Point Highway. The site was previously zoned for development in 2009 and council was asked this month to approve an updated plan.
“The new plan has a focus on economic development and employment as well as social, economic and ecological sustainability to bring it current with today’s policies and priorities,” the developer’s submission said.
It is intended to include new industry, commercial areas, along with business and technology focused uses. The goal is to be able to respond to changing market conditions and technological change.
An urban-style neighbourhood centre with multi-family residential and commercial and retail space is planned, along with two residential neighbourhoods.
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