Skip to content

New neighbourhood approved in Ladysmith

Council give OK to 12 new buildings
Model
Artisan Properties is building 12 new townhouse buildings in Ladysmith.

Council has given the go-ahead for 48 new homes in Ladysmith.

 

The 1.1-hectare piece of land at 512 Jim Cram Drive, saddled with a design covenant, is being developed by Duncan-based Artisan Properties.

 

Len Wansbrough, president of Artisan Properties, said he was drawn to Ladysmith based on the town’s positive attitude and the development around the new Forrest Field.

 

“I kind of like the new fields that were built there. I think the community is growing,” said Wansbrough, who is also encouraged by service at the Nanaimo Airport.

 

“It’s a very positive community.”

 

The company is looking to build 12 buildings each containing four units — two on the ground level for easy accessibility and two above with access on the second floor.

 

Each residential unit will be 118 metres-square and will have three bedrooms. They will range in price from $230,000 to $249,000. The buildings are planned to be under the 10-metre height limit with roofs varying as the land slopes from west to east. Each unit will have patio/deck space at the front and back.

 

The development, to be called Meadow Woods, will feature 32 parking stalls, 12 more than what is required, but the proponent was seeking tighter small car parking (2.5 m by 5.5 m instead of 2.6 m by 5.8 m) and is looking for a tighter manoeuvring width of 6.7 m instead of 7.3 m.

 

The plan was supported by the Advisory Design Panel with the incorporation of more natural siding instead of vinyl, and attractive, secure outdoor garbage and recycling facilities.

 

Wansbrough said he was drawn to the stacked house-style units because they can be built affordable and to a high standard.

 

“I’ve seen that kind of housing in Victoria and Nanaimo and it has gone successfully.”

 

Meadow Woods will cost around $12 million, Wansbrough predicts, and will hopefully be complete in two to three years.

 

If this project goes well, Wansbrough said they will look at further projects in Ladysmith.

 

Wansbrough said he is pretty confident in the stability on the Island and expects units to move quickly.

 

Six, he said, have already pre-sold.

 

A realtor is still being selected for the project.

 

Coun. Bruce Whittington, who sits on the design panel, said the new development looks good.

 

The land is already zoned multi-family and Whittington said Meadow Woods appears to make the most of the area.

 

“It’s part of a bigger picture of creating a new kind of a community in that sector.”





Secondary Title