Marigold project clears major hurdle
Central Saanich approves zoning at former nursery site
A proposed mixed-use development on the former site of Marigold Nursery is a step closer after Central Saanich council approved the developer’s rezoning application.
The Marigold Lands development would include a mix of housing for a range of income levels and lifestyles combined with a small commercial component at 7874 and 7890 Lochside Dr.
“There are still a few steps to go through, but this is a major milestone with council endorsing this land use,” said Bruce Greig, Central Saanich’s director of planning and building services.
A public hearing was held Jan. 10, 2016 on the bylaws for the site. The bylaws were given third reading by council on Feb. 16.
“The Marigolds Lands team would like to thank everyone that helped shape the project by attending our public workshops, meeting with us in person and providing feedback by phone or email,” development principals Tim Hackett and Steve Mann said in a statement.
“We would also like to thank all those who attended our public hearing this past January and especially to those who voiced support for our project.”
They said their “walkable, amenity-rich neighbourhood” would be built in three phases. Their next step is seeking a development permit for phase one.
It would cover more detailed designs for the townhouses, duplexes and commercial buildings that would front Lochside Drive, as well as an apartment building and park.
The Smith family, which operated Marigold Nursery at the site for 53 years, sold the property in 2015.
Council adopted three bylaw amendments, essentially “creating a new development zone for this kind of land,” since the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure approved them [April 18], Greig said.
When rezoning is being considered within a certain distance from a highway, proposed amendments are referred to the ministry for approval, he said.
The first phase of the project will include streetscape improvements on Lochside Drive and the start of construction of a berm along Highway 17.