A developer can proceed with planning on the Green Thumb site in north Nanaimo after a public hearing and a city council vote.
At a meeting Thursday, Feb. 24, councillors voted 8-1 in favour of third reading of an official community plan amendment bylaw for the Bowers District master plan on the Green Thumb Garden Centre property on Hammond Bay Road.
Wilhelmina Group LP is asking for an OCP amendment that would add the northwest portions of the 17.8-hectare property to the Woodgrove urban node to allow for higher density in those parts of Bowers District. Concepts show approximately 2,500 residential units, with the density transitioning to low-rise residential areas to the east. The middle of the site would have a mixed-use village and a central park, and the road network would be highlighted by intersection improvements to connect Calinda Street with Enterprise Way.
After hearing mixed opinions from half a dozen citizens at the public hearing, councillors generally praised the developer’s vision for the site and expressed confidence that neighbourhood concerns – primarily the notion of highrises – could be addressed in future zoning and permitting stages.
“We’re not dealing with details tonight, we’re talking about a general vision for this piece of property,” said Coun. Ian Thorpe.
Coun. Ben Geselbracht said although he’d like more parkland on the site and doesn’t want to see highrises there, he feels the master plan shows thought and attention to detail and offers the sort of livability, sustainability and esthetics he would hope for.
“This proposal is a vision that’s very aligned with my vision for this area and, I think, for what inevitably is going to come,” he said.
He and Coun. Tyler Brown both mentioned they would have preferred the planning to come through the city’s OCP process, but Brown said the Bowers District plan nevertheless demonstrates “good urban planning” practices and fits with “where we’re going with the draft city plan through ReImagine Nanaimo and the values espoused there.”
Coun. Erin Hemmens said council received a lot of communication about the project and said she heard concerns but also excitement.
“Probably one of the most compelling reasons to support something like this is that it will bring much-needed housing to our city,” she said.
The only councillor to vote against third reading was Coun. Sheryl Armstrong, who felt the OCP amendment application process was “extremely rushed.” She also said she believes community members feel the six-storey building heights already permitted under corridor zoning are sufficient for the area.
“I’ve heard very loudly from the neighbourhood – Parkwood, McRobb, McGirr and all that area – that they are opposed to this,” she said.
The master plan suggests development will happen “over the next 20-plus years” and that phasing will generally happen from south to north.
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