Neighbours celebrate capping of Langford tower at six storeys

Neighbours of a proposed development in Langford are relieved after council voted to cap the two-tower project at six storeys — rather than 12 — and address traffic concerns.

The developer, Langfordbased Design Build Services, initially indicated it wanted to build two 12-storey towers with 225 residential units at 647 Goldstream Ave., sparking significant opposition from neighbours concerned about the scope of the development, an increase in traffic on Fairway Avenue, and the impact on pedestrian safety on the street, which has no sidewalk.

In January, consultant Mike Wignall said the ownership group would agree to build two six-storey towers, after proposing one nine-storey tower and one six-storey tower in an application to Langford’s planning, zoning and affordable housing committee.

Council was told Monday that Design Build Services intends to build two six-storey buildings containing approximately 160 residential units and ground-floor commercial space.

Council voted to limit the project to six storeys, require an entrance and exit on Goldstream Avenue and extend a sidewalk from the development to a nearby park.

J. Scott, who has been a vocal opponent of the project, celebrated the vote as a win, thanking neighbours who signed petitions and wrote letters to council and councillors for listening to their concerns.

“They’ve maintained safety for pedestrians with the measures they’ve put in place, and I’m very, very pleased,” she said.

Rezoning for the development from one- and two-family residential zone to city centre zone passed third reading at Monday’s council meeting.