A community open house and information session will give Oak Bay residents a chance to voice their opinions on a proposed 24-unit development that would border a blocks-long greenway.
The event will take place at the Oak Bay United Church (1355 Mitchell St.) on Tuesday, April 15, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Representatives of Victoria-based Marking Developments will be there to answer questions about the three, three-storey townhomes, with a total of 16 units, it hopes to construct on a roughly one-acre lot at 960 Foul Bay Rd.
Currently, a 111-year-old single-family home sits in the middle of the property. Built in 1914, the building would be moved to the northeast corner of the lot to accommodate the townhomes, then converted into eight suites.
While the market-rate units could offer homes to those eager to settle in Oak Bay, some have opposed the development.
Save Brighton Greenway – a community group concerned the project would negatively impact safety and greenspace in the neighbourhood – stands in opposition to the development. It is also worried about how the townhomes would affect the Brighton Greenway – a shared-use path that spans both Victoria and Oak Bay neighbourhoods.
“While we welcome development on this lot, the size and character of the proposed development is a serious threat to the Brighton Greenway and sets a dangerous precedent to the entire Greenway in Victoria and Oak Bay – as well as historic Foul Bay Road,” the group said on its website. "Let’s stand up for what makes our neighbourhood special. Let’s preserve the spaces where pedestrians, cyclists, dog walkers and families can continue to safely enjoy our Brighton Greenway."
The project’s developer, Jennifer Travelbea, however, thinks the townhomes would suit the neighbourhood.
"This proposal has many other merits, including a mix of diverse units," she told Oak Bay News earlier this month. "I think this is a great option to help the District of Oak Bay meet the provincially mandated housing targets."
Before the information session, Travelbea and others from Marking Developments will meet with members of Save Brighton Greenway.
“Our goal at the open house is to inform community members on the proposal, provide details on our thought process, how we’ve got to where we are, let them know more details about the project,” said Travelbea, who added residents’ comments will be shared with Oak Bay staff and council. “It’s also an opportunity for us to meet with members of the community, gather their feedback and really continue the dialogue with them.”
For more information about the development, visit: markingdevelopments.com/projects/foul-bay.
Information about Save Brighton Greenway can be accessed here: savebrightongreenway.com.
