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
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
LIVE @ 1:15 PT B.C. premier to give announcement related to public drug use
B.C.'s premier is scheduled to give an update Friday about public drug use in the province.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.