Nanaimo OKs six-storey housing project on Terminal Avenue North
A six-storey condo project on Terminal Avenue has won approval from Nanaimo city council, although some neighbours fear it will add more traffic to the already busy street and lead to parking spillover onto local streets.
The Station, which would be partially clad in brick, is named for the E&N bike trail line running behind the property. The 69-unit condominium project in the Newcastle area won unanimous support from council for a requested height variance of 1.5 metres, which would allow the building to be 15.5 metres tall. City staff supported the proposed variance.
Three lots, at 515, 529 and 635 Terminal Avenue North, will be consolidated for the complex, which will feature 24 studio units, 41 one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units.
Vehicle access will be through a private driveway at Terminal Avenue. Long-term plans call for access via a planned laneway running along neighbouring properties, but there is no timeline for establishment of the lane.
Sixty-one per cent of parking would be provided on two levels underground, and secure bike storage is included in the plan.
The developer of the planned 48,244 square foot building is a numbered company, 1302793 B.C. Ltd. of Nanaimo.
Staff told council that the project is only seeking a height variance, and otherwise complies with requirements of its current zoning on a mixed-use corridor.
Some residents expressed fears of more traffic and parked cars in the neighbourhood before the addition of the laneway, which could take decades.
David Croft, who called Terminal Avenue a “four-lane busy highway,” urged council to delay the vote on the height variance pending completion of a traffic and parking study and neighbourhood consultation.
Croft said drivers in the area often exceed the speed limit, noting residents of the new building would be turning directly onto Terminal Avenue. “It’s an accident waiting to happen.”
Coun. Sheryl Armstrong also expressed concern about traffic entering Terminal Avenue from the site, saying she fears drivers might take risks to get onto the road.
“This is a really extremely busy road that is backed up for a long time during the morning.”
Staff told council a traffic-impact assessment would not generally be done for a development of this size.
Mayor Leonard Krog said he was in favour of the application, saying he supports “the construction of this number of units in a community that is desperate for housing of any kind or quality.”
“I think that makes this a relatively easy decision, notwithstanding that it will change the neighbourhood.”