A plan to redevelop Saanich’s Nigel Valley into hundreds of new residential units received approvals at a September 18 public hearing.

 

796 affordable, supportive and market rental residences are envisioned to replace the Nigel Valley’s existing 186 homes as part of a major undertaking encompassing 12 properties bordered by Vernon, Darwin and Nigel avenues near Saanich's municipal hall. Five agencies tasked with delivering housing and social services are involved in the project spearheaded by BC Housing.

 

Saanich has elected to pursue a phased approval process for individual parcels similar to how the municipality handled the development of Uptown Shopping Centre, Carey Road’s Mount View Campus of Care and the multi-phased Travino residential development off West Saanich Road.

 

The Nigel Valley’s housing spectrum will include market-priced rental apartments, affordable housing, supportive housing, congregate housing and housing for seniors with varying degrees of independence.

 

The district’s volume of affordable and supportive housing units would increase by just under 400 to a total of 581. Market-priced residences would yield approximately 215-units.

 

Multiple lowrise structures ranging between three and eight-storeys are envisioned as the driving development concept, while a landmark residential tower on Vernon Avenue at the north end of the site could rise to 16-storeys.

 

Project amenities will include a public square, a neighbourhood park and beautification of the Nigel Valley public realm.

  

Construction on individual parcels could begin as early as next year with the Greater Victoria Housing Society's five-storey, 68-unit affordable housing complex anticipated as one of the initial phases. C

  

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