Royal advisers consider two options for waterfront development

A two-acre waterfront property on Hart Road is set to be redeveloped, and council members were given two options on what the development will look like.

At a View Royal council meeting on Tuesday, May 7, council members and the consulting planner discussed possible options for small-scale townhouses or apartments on the property.

“Individually, these are oddly shaped lots, but when you look at them collectively and look at some of their characteristics, the thought process was that maybe we should look at this in a little different way than a simple isolated lot subdivision,” said Dean Strongitharm, a city planner who represented the property’s owners.

The property is 2.3 acres and spans four lots currently zoned for detached single-family dwellings.

The first option considered by council members was an option for 24 townhouses, with about a third of the property, toward the waterfront, being devoted to conservation areas or parks.

The second option, which Strongitharm said makes the most sense from a planning perspective, would offer six waterfront-facing townhomes and a four-story, 32-unit apartment building toward Hart Road. It would be more than 60 percent open space and offer a park and trails leading to the water.

Advice. Géry Lemon described it as a “delightful site” and particularly appreciated the way in which the site preserved the natural space towards the foreshore. Advice. John Rogers agreed and said that although there was a park on the same block, it was mostly marsh and steep edges. He also said he hopes to see a public dock for paddling at the site as well.

“It’s nice to see some townhouse developments because I think we’re missing the ‘missing middle,'” said Coun. Don Brown. “We don’t see that kind of development and for smaller families, rather than for single family condos, I think it’s great The plan looks great, it’s a very nice property.

Advice. Alison MacKenzie said she had visited the site before and was concerned about preserving the trees, but was pleased the developers had planned this well. She also said she agreed with Brown that View Royal needed more townhomes.

Mayor Sid Tobias recommended that the developer bring the idea back to council and seek a permit at a later meeting of the committee of the whole.

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