A proposed 11-storey rental building, the final phase of the Uptown shopping centre development, was unanimously approved to go to public hearing by Saanich council.
Councillors voted 9-0 to bring the proposed 134-unit development to a public hearing.
Mayor Richard Atwell said as the last component of the Uptown development, it is satisfying to see this residential tower proposal head out for community comment.
“The 11-storey tower will be the tallest building in this major centre, which is zoned for up to
18 storeys,” Atwell said Tuesday. Overall, council was highly complimentary of the architectural design, he noted.
Saanich Coun. Colin Plant said: “Typically, we don’t move to public hearing unless it’s worth taking a look at.”
Council members have encouraged the developer to provide subsidized affordable living units.
“The big topic that emerged was the idea of whether that within the 134 units could there be the opportunity for affordable units in there,” Plant said.
Plant said he’s “optimistic and hopeful” that by checking in with the Capital Region Housing Corporation and other housing groups that there will be potential for “interspersed” affordable housing units throughout the rental building.
No number was assigned to the inquiry by councillors and the developer agreed to take it under consideration, Plant said.
If approved, this will be the first residential building at the Uptown shopping centre.
The 11-storey structure comprises 134 rental suites and townhomes, according to a rezoning and development permit amendment application.
The development at the corner of Carey Road and Ravine Way will also offer 55,000 square feet of ground-level retail commercial space on the northwest end of Uptown Boulevard.
Geoff Nagle, director of development for Morguard Investments Limited, said in February his firm was “excited” to be moving ahead with the final phase of the mixed-use neighbourhood that is Uptown, and particularly pleased to be working toward a residential development that will help to meet the local need for more rental homes.
Atwell said in an emailed statement Tuesday that “members of Saanich council encouraged the developer to explore tapping into Saanich's affordable housing fund as well as the CRD’s in an effort to see if the developer could provide some affordable housing price point units for people on low or fixed incomes.”
