3 townhouse blocks, 23 condos planned for old Saanich church site
News provided by Saanich News.
A plan for condos and three townhouse buildings on a former church site in Cadboro Bay is in the hands of Saanich staff.
Mike Geric Construction company bought the property at 2625 Arbutus Road. in spring 2023 and worked collaboratively with then-tenant Broad View United Church (previously Cadboro Bay United) as membership relocated to their consolidated St. Aiden’s United on Cedar Hill Cross Road.
“We began speaking with neighbours in the immediate area within the first few weeks of purchasing the property and it is those conversations with neighbours and local business owners which has forged the application we are pleased to be submitting to the District of Saanich,” CEO Ed Geric told the Saanich News.
Proximity to the University of Victoria, Gyro Park waterfront and Cadboro Bay Village and an established transit and cycling corridor made the site ideal for the proposal.
The lot, surrounded by single-family homes, is designated mixed-use institutional and zoned for assembly. It would require rezoning for multi-family and attached housing. Working with Cascadia Architects, the design includes 23-home condominium and three rows of townhouses all over a single level of underground parking.
“This development is no more than three storeys at the most and includes a pedestrian pathway which is designed to safely take current and future residents in this neighbourhood to the Cadboro Bay Village and waterfront,” Geric said.
The underground parking allows for landscape-focused design, something they heard during summer door-knocking, public houses and a fall open house.
“The most significant things we have heard is that people love this neighbourhood and they want to ensure that whatever is developed adds to the overall form and experience of living in this community. Residents wanted a lush, well-landscaped development with a safe and convenient pedestrian access which connects residents nearby and in the Queenswood neighbourhood to the village,” he said.
Applications were filed Dec. 15.
Find the application on the Saanich development tracker at saanich.ca.
Find the project online at arbutushomes.ca.
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