A proposed mixed-use residential building, with accessible and affordable units, received three readings at Esquimalt council Monday.
The Township of Esquimalt gave first, second and third reading of a zoning amendment and housing agreement bylaw which would set the framework for the 314-unit mixed-use residential building that would include 26 below-market rental suites and 15 accessible units.
Council members deliberated on March 18 on the 12-storey residential building and dedicated parkland on Nelson Street and Esquimalt Road. The development would include at least 350 square-metres of commercial space and 465 square-metres of parkland outside.
It would also have 267 parking spaces, with 44 of those being visitor and commercial parking.
During the public input period of the meeting, several neighbours said they were bothered by the constant construction in the area, with one saying it would be the seventh building in five years to be built within a one-block radius of their house.
“This is a lot of construction going on constantly, chronically all around them,” Coun. Tim Morrison said. “What this project shows us, when that neighbourhood comes to completion, and the last building goes up and all the residents have moved in, I think this specific property will really be the crowning jewel of that neighbourhood.”
Coun. Darlene Rotchford said she’s happy with the project due to the close proximity to amenities and public transportation, and she’s “glad to see we’re moving in this direction.”
“I think not only affordability but accessibility is a big deal because even with people building for affordability they’re not exactly looking at accessibility and I think that is a good move in the right direction for Esquimalt,” she said.
Council members unanimously passed the first, second and third readings of the bylaw and amendment, and they will make the final decision and issue the building permit will at a later meeting.
Read More: Esquimalt council hears public opinion on proposed 26-storey high-rise