Saanich council has sent a rezoning application to transform a prominent commercial hub in the Tillicum-Gorge neighbourhood to a public hearing.

 

 

Alan Lowe Architect, on behalf of a development firm, proposed a five-storey residential and retail complex at 300 Gorge Road West and 2900 Tillicum Road in the fall of 2018.

 

If approved, the project will replace a single storey retail strip known for Il Greco Restaurant, a tanning salon and an herbal supply retailer.

 

Comprised of just over 50 studio, one, two and three-bedroom residential units and a trio of ground floor retail spaces, the project – overlooking Gorge Park and the Gorge Waterway –  will deliver residential density between Gorge Road West and Arncote Avenue while providing modern business frontage along two primary traffic corridors.

 

Saanich staff say the proponents will make a $108,000 amenity contribution for improvements to Gorge Park while $14,850 in cash will be supplied to the municipality in exchange for the removal of 11 trees on the property which will be re-planted elsewhere within the district.

 

A provision for photovoltaic and/or solar-powered hot water systems will be accommodated on the roof for the future installations of such systems, while solar power will also be used for additional electric vehicle charging stations in addition to the three level two chargers that will be installed initially.

 

Parking will be accommodated through an underground parkade with capacity for over 70 vehicles.

 

Saanich's Gorge Road corridor has seen significant development interest in recent years, with active proposals currently making their way through the planning process at 992 Gorge Road West (near the street's terminus at Admirals Road) where Abstract Developments has envisioned a six-storey condominium residence with over 150 suites, and at 630 Gorge Road West, where the same developer is seeking approvals to replace an aging apartment complex with a collection of townhomes. And council recently approved two proposals just north of the corridor at 2933 Albina Street and 2931-2947 Qu'Appelle Street. C

Note: this story was updated to reflect council sending the proposal to a public hearing, not granting formal approvals.

 

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