After months of intense debate and two marathon public hearings, Central Saanich council has approved an amendment to the official community plan (OCP), paving the way for a controversial rental building project on 1934 Hovey Rd.
The decision, made on Monday night (July 14) in a packed council chamber, allows for the development of two purpose-built rental buildings on the site, more than four months after council gave the application its first three readings on March 10.
It has ignited both celebration and disappointment within the community.
The approved OCP Bylaw No. 2205 redesignates land at 1934, 1950, 1960, and 1966 Hovey Road, as well as 7551 East Saanich Rd., from neighbourhood residential to multi-unit residential.
This clears the path for Aryze Developments, in partnership with Legion Manor Victoria, to construct two purpose-built rental buildings with a total of 187 units. One building will house market rental units, while the other will provide senior housing. The development will replace five existing single-family homes on the designated properties.
Council chambers was overflowing with residents eager to witness the decision, with many forced to stand in the hallway and listen to the proceedings through speakers.
The vote followed two lengthy and well-attended public hearings held at the Saanich Fairgrounds on March 5 and 6, where hundreds of residents voiced their opinions on the proposed development.
Mayor Ryan Windsor, who ultimately voted in favour of the OCP amendment, acknowledged the difficult nature of the decision.
He stated that he had spent months "questioning past decisions, what the community was like, and what housing is available 20 years down the line."
"I have made the very difficult decision to support the OCP amendment, knowing that it will have an impact on some people," Windsor said. ”But the merits of the proposal and its totality with additional space for the Legion Manor, in my view, warrant the OCP amendment."
However, the decision was not unanimous.
Couns. Bob Thompson, Zeb King and Gordon Newton opposed the amendment.
Newton expressed his concerns, saying, "I have seen how this has divided the community, and it breaks my heart to say that I’m not supporting the proposed OCP amendment."
Despite the dissenting voices, the approval marks a significant milestone for the project.
Chris Quigley, Aryze's director of development, expressed his satisfaction with council's decision.
"It's a good marker for council to support the OCP amendment and the rezoning of the site," he said.
Council also addressed the issuance of a development permit to Aryze Developments.
Windsor proposed amendments to the permit for both buildings, including the potential removal or recessing of outboard balconies, which may require variances to accommodate changes related to a reasonable location for heat pump equipment.
"We'll work with staff to ensure that the development permits can be issued as soon as possible to be in keeping with the motion supported by council," Quigley said.
The next step for Aryze Developments is the submission of a building permit.
"It would be great to be able to get into construction before the end of the year," Quigley added.
He emphasized the significance of council's decision, particularly for Legion Manor.
"It was a great evening knowing council supported the OCP amendment, not just for Aryze, but most importantly for Legion Manor because it gives them a huge amount of support as they go through their next steps in funding," he said.
The decision has left some residents feeling extremely disappointed.
Brian Smith, who has lived on 1974 Hovey Rd. with his wife Josee for 25 years, expressed his frustration.
"We've been fighting this housing development for two years – it could have been better designed and with community input," he said.
Smith clarified that he and his wife are not against building for seniors or creating more housing in general, however, he regrets how the whole process was handled by the municipality saying, "It's disrespectful to the neighbours – there was no collaboration, no let's do this together."
Despite the opposition, many community members are celebrating the decision.
Kasey Field, who attended the meeting, said she was pleased with council’s decision.
“I do a lot of work with the Legion," she said. "I'm a Navy League officer, and so for me, this is huge. I think this is something that is needed in the community and I'm over the moon for it."
Karen Scott, Field's mother and a resident of 1960 Hovey Rd., echoed this sentiment.
"It is heartbreaking to see seniors who are struggling so badly with food, medication, and housing," she said. "This is not going to solve the problem, but the idea of having 63 affordable homes for seniors just really is the best thing that could happen."
Scott acknowledged that many people oppose the development, but she believes it is a necessary step for the community.
"Our community is growing, and the other part that's happening is that with real estate prices as high as they are, more and more people are going to need rental housing because they can't afford to buy, so we need to provide that housing for them," she explained.
The approval of the OCP amendment represents a pivotal moment for Central Saanich, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding housing affordability and community development.
