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Sealand Market in Nanaimo approved for face lift

Council approves development permit application exterior renovations at 1840 Stewart Ave.

The commercial buildings at the Sealand Market site on Stewart Avenue will get a makeover.

A development permit application for 1840 Stewart Ave. was approved by Nanaimo city council Monday, March 6, allowing for exterior alteration to the complex’s three two-storey buildings.

According to a city staff report, the buildings will be completely re-clad in cementitious panels, corrugated metal, aluminum panels and cedar and faux wood-plank siding. New front canopies and patios will be constructed on the front and rear of the structure. New front canopies are proposed for all buildings, and the main building will include a two-storey entryway.

READ ALSO: Nanaimo’s Sealand Market in line for significant renovation

“This is primarily an upgrade to the existing Sealand Market,” said Dale Lindsay, general manager of development services, in his report to council. “As you know, it has been in the community for a long time … the development has not substantially changed down there in many decades, so the city’s very happy to see there’s investment into those buildings.”

Lindsay said the development permit is for exterior upgrades, but he noted there is also a small variance requested in the application.

“There are some canopies that are being added on the second floor,” he said. “A portion of the building is actually in the 15-metre setback from the ocean, so any work in that area requires a variance. The two canopies themselves will be 5.7 metres from the natural boundary, which is a variance of 9.3 metres, but within the existing building envelope and staff are supportive of the variance.”

There was no discussion or questions from council, which approved the application unanimously.


chris.bush@nanaimobulletin.com

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Chris Bush

About the Author: Chris Bush

As a photographer/reporter with the Nanaimo News Bulletin since 1998.
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