The 3000-block of Tillicum Road could soon be transformed after Saanich council gave its blessing to a massive mixed-use project with 208 units of new housing.
Council gave three readings to a zoning bylaw amendment that will allow Manitoba-based Ironclad Developments to go ahead with the rental project it calls Points West.
“I think that this project will be a key piece in the transformation of that corridor and the Tillicum-Burnside neighbourhood,” said Mayor Dean Murdock in an interview. “This is a significant redevelopment that’s going to deliver a lot of homes for folks.”
A number of councillors pointed out at their Monday night meeting that the large project suits the area given the proximity to schools, parks, shopping, public transit and active- transportation infrastructure.
“It’s all in the immediate area. This really does get the ball rolling on transforming that significant corridor and contributing to the vitality of the neighbourhood,” Murdock said.
It is a project that will redevelop 14 lots assembled by the developer over the years. Bordered by Obed Avenue to the southwest and backing onto Albina Street, the project will be spread over two buildings of five and six storeys that will will cover half of the 3000-block of Tillicum Road.
A commercial component will be at street level.
“I think the idea here is to animate that street so that it doesn’t just become a thoroughfare or a corridor for people to travel through. It’s a place where people live, where experiences take place and neighbours can get together,” said Murdock.
“It’s a place where community happens. And I think it’s that combination of residential and commercial with those features at street level that make it a place that’s desirable to spend time.”
Coun. Karen Harper said it’s not often developers are able to pull this many lots together for a large project that will have a big impact.
“I think it’s really important that this is one of our primary growth areas, and it is an area that has always been expected that this type of development would occur in,” she said. “It is the right place for it to be.”
The project is compliant with the Official Community Plan so it will not require a public hearing before final approval.
The developer will have to tick a few boxes, however, before final approval.
Those include providing $599,040 in community amenity contributions — $418,840 for Saanich’s affordable housing fund, $118,000 to replace playground equipment at Tillicum Elementary School, $42,200 for a sidewalk extension on Albina Street to the elementary school and $20,000 for public art.
The buildings themselves will include two levels of underground parking with 197 spaces.
Murdock couldn’t say when work on the site might start, but he did note a number of the old and derelict homes have already been demolished on the combined site.
Representatives from Ironclad could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
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