With roots of an idea dating back decades, a proposal for a key heritage waterfront piece of Victoria could steam ahead after garnering city approval July 3.
The plan for 251 Esquimalt Rd., 355 Catherine St. and 200-210 Kimta Rd., collectively and commonly called Bayview Properties, cleared a mighty hurdle with approval of bylaws including a complicated master development agreement.
“This is probably one of the most complex sites in the City of Victoria,” senior city planner Mike Angrove told council, in response to a comment from Coun. Jeremy Caradonna, who put the motion on the table.
The site includes heritage buildings with rail running through and is adjacent to the harbour airport.
After the January 2024 public hearings, staff were tasked with meeting with Transport Canada to iron out potential impacts with the Victoria Harbour Water Airport. Staff were told harbour airport operations could be adjusted to accommodate the proposed project, including shifting the runway slightly west and south.
The redevelopment would overhaul the long-unused property with almost 1,900 homes across towers ranging from 10 to 32 storeys – paired with elements aiming to make the property a standalone community. The proposal includes 70,000 square feet of new retail and commercial space, new public plazas, a childcare centre and revitalized heritage buildings.
Coun. Marg Gardiner voiced concern that Transport Canada did not provide a “noise exposure forecast document” for the site and argued the floor-space ratio remains too dense.
“It does not adequately respect the heritage roundhouse,” she added.
Gardiner and Coun. Stephen Hammond opposed the motion.
The developer has worked on developing different portions of the property since the late 1990s. It’s the second time getting as far as seeking rezoning. The latest project faced neighbourhood backlash, with petitions and criticism that it would alter the skyline of Vic West.
“This particular project site has been essentially vacant since the railway closed down, and I think a lot of residents are looking forward to a new development here,” Coun. Matt Dell said. “This is going to bring a lot of new people to downtown, a lot of vibrancy to the city and I think it’s going to be a really wonderful addition.”
