The site of a former Cadboro Bay church could be transformed into a 50-unit mixed-use development. However, before shovels hit the ground, the proposal must first be received by the public.
At the Aug. 18 meeting, Saanich council voted unanimously to send the proposed housing project at 2625 Arbutus Rd. to a public hearing on Sept. 16, the mandatory next step for potential rezoning and land-use changes.
Saanich-based developer Mike Geric Construction proposed a four-storey apartment building with 24 units above 312 square metres of institutional space, suggested for use as a school.
The project also includes three townhouse buildings containing 26 units, all served by underground parking.
The development would require amendments to the Cadboro Bay Village plan and the official community plan to rezone the property from institutional lands to low-rise mixed-use residential, allowing a mix of residential and institutional uses.
In response to numerous letters from residents, Mayor Dean Murdock and Coun. Colin Plant stressed that moving the application to a public hearing is procedural and does not indicate council support for the project.
“In this particular case, staff have found that the application doesn't align with the official community plan, which under provincial legislation then permits for a public hearing to be called, which is why council is considering this this evening,” Murdock said.
The public hearing will allow residents to provide input on the proposed zoning and land-use changes before council makes a final decision.
The developer has pledged $168,960 in community amenity contributions for affordable housing, local parks, streetscape improvements, and transportation upgrades.
Planning staff noted the project meets Saanich’s objectives for housing diversity, family-friendly units, and active transportation connections.
