University Heights redevelopment proposal brought back to Saanich
The proposed redevelopment of the University Heights Shopping Centre in Saanich is back on track after the process was put on hold in the fall.
Development company Wesbild says its sweeping plans to redevelop the mall property into hundreds of rental homes and commercial space has been resubmitted to Saanich, after its initial pitch was rejected by property tenant Home Depot.
Wesbild says Home Depot threw a wrench into the redevelopment plans in October by demanding a 10,000-square-foot expansion be included in the project.
Now, Wesbild says that Home Depot will receive its requested expansion as part of the $230-million redevelopment proposal.
"We are pleased to re-introduce this important project which will enhance the community with permanent rental homes, affordable rental suites, much needed daycare spaces and transit infrastructure," said Kevin Layden, CEO and president of Wesbild in a release Thursday.
"Pausing the project to sort out procedural details was the right decision and ensures this development is on solid footing," he said.
Wesbild's current proposal includes the construction of 597 rental units, up to 11,000 square feet of daycare space, and more than 121,000 square feet of commercial space.
The developer says that 60 of the rental units will be earmarked as affordable housing, with monthly rent pegged at no higher than 30 per cent of the average household family income in Saanich.
The property would also include a three-bay BC Transit bus pullout hub, a publicly accessible dog park, a courtyard, a children's play area and a public plaza.
Wesbild's says 20 electric vehicle charging stalls are also included in the proposal, as well as e-bike charging stations.
While the proposal has been resubmitted to Saanich, the massive redevelopment still needs to undergo multiple stages of municipal approval and review input from the community.
Wesbuild says if all conditions are met, construction could begin as early as spring 2022.
Construction is estimated to take four years to complete and would create 309 construction jobs and 209 permanent positions throughout the process, according to the developer.
"University Heights Shopping Centre served the community well for decades. But now, with the building at the end of its useful life, this new project will re-energize the entire block for generations to come," said Layden.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau acknowledges charges in Nijjar killing, calls for commitment to democracy
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the charges laid Friday in relation to the murder of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Princess Anne lays wreath at B.C. veteran's cemetery; receives 21-gun salute
Princess Anne paid tribute to veterans buried at a cemetery in British Columbia today, laying a wreath to honour the more than 2,500 military personnel and family members buried there.
Mystik Dan wins the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in a three-horse photo finish
Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a photo finish, edging out Forever Young and Sierra Leone for the upset victory.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.