In The News
‘Shovel-ready’ non-profit seniors’ housing coming to Port Alberni
Former Matsqui-Sumas-Abbotsford Hospital Lands Returned to Matsqui First Nation
Former Matsqui-Sumas-Abbotsford Hospital Lands Returned to Matsqui First Nation
First Nation planning mixed-use development of old Abbotsford hospital site
Former Matsqui-Sumas-Abbotsford Hospital Lands Returned to Matsqui First Nation
Valley’s first master planned community takes shape at Anderson Hill
Close to 250 Rental Units Proposed for Parksville's Despard Avenue
Kelowna Is Changing. Here Is What We See For The Future.
Ground broken on Port Alberni’s first master planned community
Construction begins on old ADSS lands
Scott Building transformation and adjacent parking lot redevelopment to yield over 90 rental units
Scott Building redevelopment includes 6-storey rental tower
King Road rental development gets good reviews from Abbotsford council
New rental housing coming to Nanaimo
Nanaimo council gave unanimous support this week for a development permit application to allow District Developments of Vancouver to go ahead with two five-storey buildings with 149 units.
A 149-unit rental development has been approved by Nanaimo council as the community copes with a chronically low rental-vacancy rate.
Take a closer look at Merewood Apartments – Where a stress-free modern rental lifestyle awaits
Prospective tenants have been wowed by the volume of choice when reviewing their options at Merewood Apartments, Parksville’s brand-new rental apartment complex.
Built by District Development Corp. and managed by Skyline Living, Merewood Apartments is currently pre-leasing the first phase of this exciting new development consisting of two low-rise buildings offering a wide range of 24 enticing floor plans.
Meet Merewood Apartments – Parksville’s Newest Rental Apartment Community
What more could anyone want? Low-maintenance rental apartment living and you’re just minutes from the beach for those warm summer days. Skyline Living is now pre-leasing District Development Corp.’s Merewood Apartments, a brand-new rental apartment community ideally located in Parksville, BC, a short three-minute drive away from the hustle and bustle of in-town conveniences, while also being close to parks and nature trails.
Proposed 800-unit Parksville development requires further input
A proposed 800-unit development near the Englishman River will require more public engagement.
District Developments is seeking an official community plan (OCP) amendment and a zoning and development bylaw amendment to permit the proposed planned neighbourhood “Riverside”, which would be bounded by the Englishman River to its west and south. The developer wants to rezone the land, currently designated single unit residential, to comprehensive development, while keeping its planned neighbourhood designation.
The proposal is still in its initial stages. During its May 16 regular meeting, Parksville council voted unanimously in favour of advancing it to consultation with stakeholder agencies, such as the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN), School District 69 (Qualicum) and a number of provincial government ministries.
Parksville council approves second phase of 4-building development
Parksville council has approved a development permit for phase two of a four-building residential development on Moilliet Street.
The two new four-storey apartment buildings will accompany two existing four-storey apartment buildings at 377 Moilliet St. South, close to Quality Foods and the Oceanside Health Centre.
The second phase will add 130 residential units, for a total of 252 units, according to a report by Blaine Russell, director of community planning and building. Building C and D are proposed to contain 61 and 69 units respectively, including 80 one-bedrooms, 32 two-bedroom units and 18 studio apartments. The development will have a total of 281 parking spaces, including six electric vehicle spaces.
‘Shovel-ready’ non-profit seniors’ housing coming to Port Alberni
An innovative independent living facility for seniors is coming to Port Alberni at the site of the city’s former high school.
The former Alberni District Secondary School site on Burde Street was purchased by District Group in 2017. Since the purchase, a number of single-family homes and lots and a multi-family apartment complex have been built on the 23-acre site. A series of duplexes and fourplexes are currently under construction.
Earlier this month, District announced that they had sold a 2.5-acre property to Vancouver Resource Society (VRS) Communities Society to develop a non-profit housing complex for seniors and persons with disabilities. The property is located at Anderson Avenue and North Park Drive.
Former Matsqui-Sumas-Abbotsford Hospital Lands Returned to Matsqui First Nation
Matsqui First Nation (“Matsqui”) announced today that the former Matsqui-Sumas-Abbotsford Hospital lands located at 2179 McCallum Road, Abbotsford, B.C. (the “Lands”) were returned to Matsqui on October 22, 2020.
The acquisition of the 9 acres by Matsqui concludes years of negotiations between the Matsqui, Fraser Health Authority and the Province of British Columbia, and represents a significant step in the truth and reconciliation process between Matsqui people and the Province. “It is incredibly meaningful and satisfying to see this land back in Matsqui’s hands,” said Chief Alice McKay, “many of our members were born at the old hospital here; it is a very special moment for our community.”
Matsqui First Nation plan rental housing at former MSA hospital site in central Abbotsford
The Matsqui First Nation hopes to build rental apartment units on a nine-acre piece of land on McCallum Road, a member of the band’s governing body says. And Stan Morgan says Matsqui also hopes that Fraser Health revisits its initial plan to build a health-care facility on the site.
The nine-acre site would have enough room to spur the biggest infusion of rental housing Abbotsford has seen in decades.
Former Matsqui-Sumas-Abbotsford Hospital Lands Returned to Matsqui First Nation
The acquisition of the 9 acres by Matsqui concludes years of negotiations between the Matsqui, Fraser Health Authority and the Province of British Columbia, and represents a significant step in the truth and reconciliation process between Matsqui people and the Province. “It is incredibly meaningful and satisfying to see this land back in Matsqui’s hands,” said Chief Alice McKay, “many of our members were born at the old hospital here; it is a very special moment for our community.”
Former MSA Hospital Land Returned to Matsqui First Nation
Matsqui First Nation (“Matsqui”) announced that the former Matsqui-Sumas-Abbotsford Hospital lands located at 2179 McCallum Road,Abbotsford, B.C. (the “Lands”) were returned to Matsqui on October 22, 2020.
The acquisition of the 9 acres by Matsqui concludes years of negotiations between the Matsqui, Fraser Health Authority and the Province of British Columbia, and represents a significant step in the truth and reconciliation process between Matsqui people and the Province.
First Nation planning mixed-use development of old Abbotsford hospital site
The former Matsqui-Sumas Abbotsford General Hospital (MSAGH) lands have been returned to the Matsqui First Nation, enabling the First Nation to pursue new economic development opportunities for their members.
The announcement was made today, and concludes years of negotiation between the First Nation, Fraser Health Authority (FHA), and the provincial government.
Former Matsqui-Sumas-Abbotsford Hospital Lands Returned to Matsqui First Nation
Matsqui First Nation (“Matsqui”) announced today that the former Matsqui-Sumas-Abbotsford Hospital lands located at 2179 McCallum Road, Abbotsford, B.C. (the “Lands”) were returned to Matsqui on October 22, 2020.
The acquisition of the 9 acres by Matsqui concludes years of negotiations between the Matsqui, Fraser Health Authority and the Province of British Columbia, and represents a significant step in the truth and reconciliation process between Matsqui people and the Province. “It is incredibly meaningful and satisfying to see this land back in Matsqui’s hands,” said Chief Alice McKay, “many of our members were born at the old hospital here; it is a very special moment for our community.”
Abbotsford lands returned to Matsqui First Nation
The former MSA Hospital lands in Abbotsford are being returned to the Matsqui First Nation.
The lands, located at 2179 McCallum Rd., were officially re-acquired on Oct. 22, according to a press release.
Matsqui will now be working with Vancouver-based development partner District Group and the City of Abbotsford to redevelop the site. Current plans are for a mixed-use project that will include rental housing, commercial and institutional uses.
Architect plans to revitalize Victoria ‘gateways,’ including Wellburns building
A Vancouver architect plans to revitalize two prominent buildings sitting at gateways to Victoria, including the well-known Wellburn’s building.
Michael Green Architecture is looking to start construction soon on two wood buildings. The first, titled The Scott Building, is located at the southeast corner of Hillside Avenue and Douglas Street. The second will be called ParkWay and will be on the site where the Wellburn’s building is at Pandora Avenue and Cook Street.
Valley’s first master planned community takes shape at Anderson Hill
While some might not want to come home to their old high school, Port Alberni’s Kris Elder couldn’t be happier.
The Elders are among the first families building their dream homes at the Alberni Valley’s first master planned community, Anderson Hill. The site of Kris’s former high school, he recalls watching field hockey games on the ground where his home is now taking shape.
In fact, with construction of the residential lots at the Parkview Crescent subdivision now complete, only a few properties remain in the community’s first phase!
73-unit rental complex pitched for Fifth Street at Malaview Avenue in downtown Sidney
Vancouver-based District Investments Group has unveiled plans to redevelop a vacant parcel near Sidney’s town centre into rental apartments.
Proposed with 73 studio, one, two and three-bedroom suites across three levels on a property fronting onto the 10,000-block of Fifth Street and the 2300-block of Malaview Avenue, District’s proposal at will add residential density to Sidney’s core and complete the build-out of the Roberts Manor property that spans in a zig-zag shape between Fifth Street and Malaview Avenue.
Close to 250 Rental Units Proposed for Parksville's Despard Avenue
Approximately 250 rental apartment units are proposed for development on a large lot at Despard Avenue and Moilliet Street South in Parksville. The property belongs to District Group, a real estate development and asset management company based in Vancouver. President Michael Nygren told Parksville City Council on Monday night that his company’s proposal will help address a historically low rental vacancy.
“This is longterm supply that we’re proposing to have here,” Nygren said, adding units will vary in types and sizes and won’t focus on one particular age group or demographic.
“It will be a project that will happen in multiple phases,” Nygren said. “As far as the OCP and the rezoning amendment goes, it’s currently zoned for transitional residential, we’d like to change that to multi unit residential.”
Kelowna Is Changing. Here Is What We See For The Future.
The digital marketplace has had a very real effect on the way people shop and how they interface with traditional forms of commerce. Despite continued transformation and resulting closures, physical stores are not obsolete. Bricks-and-mortar retailers doing it right are offering better in-person customer experiences, in-store technology, increased convenience, coupled with a strong digital presence. Failing brands have found themselves stuck in the past, affecting change far too slowly due to stifling organizational structures and leadership who refuse to acknowledge that the balance of power has shifted toward the consumer.
Ground broken on Port Alberni’s first master planned community
In true west coast fashion, the groundbreaking of a new master planned community in Port Alberni took place in the middle of a downpour.
The Anderson Hill master planned community is being constructed on Alberni District Secondary School’s former site, which has been vacant since the old school was demolished in 2014. The 23-acre lot in the middle of an established city is a unique opportunity, said District Group president and CEO Michael Nygren.
District Group officially broke ground on this development on Tuesday, Sept. 11. Despite the rain, the event drew a small crowd of investors, city staff and interested residents.
“We’re very particularly excited about this project,” said Nygren on Tuesday.
Construction begins on old ADSS lands
Developers of the former ADSS lands say their connection to the property means they’ll take great care in creating subdivisions and apartment blocks that show their pride in the project.
Michael Nygren, president of the District Group, said he and business partner Brandon Crema are both ADSS grads
He said it’s very rare to find such a large property with services in the middle of a city and called it a developers dream.
Wellburn’s site redevelopment plan to be unveiled
North Park residents will get their first look on Wednesday at a redevelopment proposal for the historic Wellburn’s Market building at Pandora and Cook.
Vancouver-based District Developments Corp. will present its plans Wednesday to the North Park Neighbourhood Association for an 84-unit, six-storey, residential rental building on the lot.
The proposal calls for retail and commercial spaces on the first two levels facing the street with rental residential above. Parking is to be provided for 49 vehicles.
Anderson Hill Master Planned Community Vision Takes Shape
Communities become successful when they are authentic to their surroundings and genuinely serve the needs of the people who inhabit them. This happens when a developer understands the locals, the region and the customers they’re building for. With ties to Port Alberni, the founders of Vancouver-based District Group have watched the town evolve over the past decades and always saw the potential in building something exceptional for the city. With world class vision and a local understanding, District is designing and will be building the Alberni Valley’s first master planned community, Anderson Hill.
Scott Building transformation and adjacent parking lot redevelopment to yield over 90 rental units
Victoria’s historic Scott Building situated at the nexus of Douglas Street, Government Street, Gorge Road East and Hillside Avenue could be transformed into residences as part of a 91-unit, mixed-use development proposal that also incorporates an adjacent surface parking lot, Citified has learned.
The 106-year-old office complex is comprised of over 50,000 square feet across three levels and up until recently was anchored by a ScotiaBank branch. Less than a decade ago the building’s previous owner, Three Point Properties, undertook a multi-million dollar restoration effort to partially modernize the aging structure.
Scott Building renovation concepts revealed by new owner
The new owner of the Scott Building has revealed this week its plans for redevelopment following its initial proposals for renovations last November.
District Investments Group acquired the 2659 Douglas St. building and parking lot at 735 Hillside Avenue last year.
Reports at the time said the company planned to repurpose the building’s upper floor space for housing and to build a six-storey rental tower on the adjacent parking lot.
Apartments being planned for northern edge of Nanaimo
Development in Nanaimo could be stretching all the way to its northernmost boundary.
Nanaimo city council, at its meeting last Monday, approved a covenant amendment application to advance plans for a 146-unit rental-housing development at 6675 Island Highway North.
“People probably recognize it better as sort of the last property before you leave the City of Nanaimo,” said Dale Lindsay, the city’s director of community development.
The land behind the Michaels arts and crafts store used to be outside city limits. In 2012, a covenant was placed on the title requiring that a developer there would have to provide a $175,000 community contribution and build a new site access along the old Island Highway and a link to the commercial property on Mary Ellen Drive.
“At that time it was contemplated to be significant commercial development…” Lindsay said. “What has occurred in the interim is there is a new ownership group and they’re taking a very different approach to the property.”
Scott Building redevelopment includes 6-storey rental tower
The Burnside Gorge Community Association is praising plans by the new owner of the 1912 Scott Building to repurpose its upper floor space for housing and build an adjacent six-storey rental tower on an adjacent parking lot.
“It looks like a great proposal,” said association president Avery Stetski. “Their ideas are tremendous.”
The concept “fits in perfectly” with the local area plan for a large urban village and would bring amenities to the corner of Douglas Street and Hillside Avenue, he said.
King Road apartments get council OK
Council approved a major rental apartment building complex to be built near the University of the Fraser Valley.
The project would see 204 units built in three different buildings north of King Road and immediately west of the King Road Connector. The buildings would be four, five and six storeys tall. Commercial space would also be included on the ground floor of one of the buildings.
When the proposal first came before council, it was met with positive reviews. Councillors hoped the project would help address the region’s exceptionally low rental vacancy rate.
On Monday, Coun. Sandy Blue said: “We have a housing shortfall generally and we certainly have a rental shortfall so seeing a purpose-built rental building like this … I think it really is necessary.”
King Road rental development gets good reviews from Abbotsford council
A new mixed-use development proposed that would create 204 new rental apartments on King Road near the University of the Fraser Valley received an enthusiastic reception from Abbotsford council Monday.
The project – which will go to a public hearing at a later date – would see three buildings constructed northwest of the intersection of King and King Connector Road. The buildings would be four, five and six storeys tall. The building closest to the King Connector intersection would also house about 5,500 square feet of commercial space.
King Road rental development gets good reviews from Abbotsford council
A new mixed-use development proposed that would create 204 new rental apartments on King Road near the University of the Fraser Valley received an enthusiastic reception from Abbotsford council Monday.
The project – which will go to a public hearing at a later date – would see three buildings constructed northwest of the intersection of King and King Connector Road. The buildings would be four, five and six storeys tall. The building closest to the King Connector intersection would also house about 5,500 square feet of commercial space.
“I’m really excited about this,” Coun. Dave Loewen said, saying the project addresses a desperate need for more rental housing in Abbotsford and is located near key transit corridors. “There are so many things that make this a good location for rental apartments.”
Former ADSS property sells to Vancouver-based developers
Vancouver-based developers have purchased the former Alberni District Secondary School site on Burde Street and plan to develop multi-use housing on the lot.
Port Alberni realtor Darren DeLuca said the 22.8 acre property, owned by School District 70, was sold in March for $1.8 million. The site has been vacant since the high school moved locations to Roger Street in 2010.
The purchasers, who DeLuca couldn’t name, have ties to the Alberni Valley and have developed here in the past.
“I’m going to let them tell their own story, which will happen fairly soon because they have to go into the Official Community Plan (OCP),” DeLuca said. “[The property] is currently zoned institutional. [Developers] want to do some multi-family units and they’re well aware of the interest in seniors’ housing so that will require rezoning.”