An affordable-housing project proposed near the University of Victoria will go to public hearing in January.
The project planned for 2249 McCoy Rd., just off Gordon Head Road, would see an existing 12-unit townhouse complex demolished and replaced with 119 townhouse units in two six-storey buildings.
The project, proposed by the Capital Region Housing Corporation, will include a mix of housing types, with 17 studios, 55 one-bedroom units, 12 two-bedroom units and 35 three-bedroom units.
Saanich council voted unanimously to send it to a public hearing in January.
A number of councillors had hoped to skip the public hearing, as the project provides a significant increase in the number of affordable housing units.
However, a hearing was required because it needs an Official Community Pan amendment due to its six storeys – only four are permitted under existing zoning.
“I would have preferred an opportunity that the public hearing could be waived, but I’m gathering that that is not an option,” said Coun. Colin Plant. “I only wish I could make it move forward faster.”
Mayor Dean Murdock said the project will just miss being covered by new provincial policies intended to allow rapid deployment of affordable housing and updates to the Official Community Plan.
“All of those things line up to move these applications through the process much more quickly,” he said.
The landscape plan for the project includes outdoor seating, private patios, raised planters, a barbecue area, children’s playground and a large central patio space.
Murdock said the Capital Region Housing Corporation has a program to help relocate the 12 existing tenants and will give them the first right of refusal to return to the building.
While there was an extensive neighbourhood consultation process undertaken by the Capital Region Housing Corporation, Saanich received no opposition to the project.
The project qualifies for $333,200 in grants from Saanich’s affordable housing fund to defray the cost of running services during construction.
“I’m happy to see more affordable housing in the district,” said Coun. Teale Phelps Bondaroff. “I think this is a good project, and I think sending it to a public hearing makes lots of sense.
