Parksville council got its first look at a development that could include a medical or dental office on the Alberni Highway, close to Oceanside Health Centre.
The four-storey mixed-use building proposed for 423 Alberni Hwy is currently in the concept phase and one option would see the city dispose of a surplus section of the road right-of-way on Despard Avenue and sell the land to the developer.
Property owner Stephane Picard of Picard Enterprises Ltd and technical consultant Nick Green applied to the city for a zoning amendment, as the property is currently zoned agricultural and contains a single-family home.
Green said there is potential for a medical or dental use on the ground floor, as well as a restaurant.
“I like the idea of putting residential up top. We have a shortage of residential everywhere,” Mayor Doug O'Brien said, and added the development would make a nice gateway to the city. “We have a shortage of healthcare professionals and if this could be fit into your commercial area it would be very much appreciated.”
Green said he is looking at options through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to include affordable units in the development.
“It’s certainly on the table,” he said.
One sticking point was a proposed drive-thru for the restaurant, which Green suggested could be useful since many people in Parksville commute elsewhere for work and may want to grab a quick coffee or breakfast on their way.
“As somebody who lives very close to a drive-thru, I can tell you it’s not a very pleasant experience to be living close to a 24 hours drive-thru,” Coun. Amit Gaur said.
Council voted to have staff finalize the zoning and development amendment bylaw, with a term that prohibits drive-thru use.
Council also voted to direct staff to begin the statutory process to dispose of the section of road right-of-way at Despard Avenue. If the application from Picard Enterprises is approved, the right-of-way will be narrowed by approximately 11.5 metres, according to a report by Blaine Russell, director of community planning and building.
The city has estimated the right-of-way land's value at $333,507.
A motion was also passed to have property owners provide an opportunity for public engagement such as an open house.
