Re-zoning has been approved to allow a multi-family residential development at a “topographically challenging” site in Nanaimo’s Lost Lake neighbourhood.
A development application submitted by District Developments Corp. on behalf of Lost Lake Nominee Ltd. shows plans for 20 two-storey four-plex buildings, totalling 80 dwellings, the maximum number that can be built on the site at 5300 Tanya Dr. under new zoning laws, according to a city staff report.
“It’s a four-hectare site, so it’s quite a large property in a steep slope development permit area,” said Jeremy Holm, city director of planning and development. “A topographically challenging site in steeply sloping lands.”
The property is also designated under city plan as a “special service area” with servicing constraints imposed by the steep topography.
“Some of the challenges with regard to the special service area include the need to address road networking, sanitary sewer service, rainwater management and, in this case specifically, the water service is a bit of a challenge there,” Holm said.
He said water would have to be pumped to areas on the site that lie 185 metres above sea level and the city is working with the developer to come up with a plan to do that, "as well as to secure … the mechanisms to address the increased costs related to servicing those lands at the higher elevations with increased water infrastructure.”
There are also wetlands on the site that will be preserved and, based on the conceptual plans, there would be a community amenity contribution of about $171,000 with 50 per cent of that to be directed to parks and trails improvements and 50 per cent to the housing legacy reserve fund.
“The concept aligns with the city plan policy for the property,” Holm said.
Coun. Hilary Eastmure said she noted in the report’s community consultation section that staff recognized Lost Lake Road’s capacity to carry more traffic, but there are known issues with speeds and sightlines at some intersections. She asked whether traffic calming could be reinstituted at that location considering the potential increased density.
“Once the first phase of traffic calming on Lost Lake [Road] was completed, we had quite a bit of input and feedback from the residents that [that] was all they wanted to see,” said Bill Sims, general manager of engineering and public works, but added that it's something the city will need to revisit.
Council directed staff to secure the conditions for the re-zoning and approved the zoning designation change from urban reserve AR2 to steep slope residential R10 with site-specific density.
