1517 replies to this topic

[Bambam]

That includes Esquimalt Rd just with the construction activity along with the new bike lanes there. The road is really narrow and with certain bends combined with the concrete bike lane separators, makes it tough for buses especially to navigate. Love all the new projects, but once residents move in adding to the vehicular volume clearly that is going to be a commuting PITA even more than it is now. If only we had a rail option....

[Mike K.]

Yesterday when I drove through Esquimalt, mid business day, not a soul on two wheels. Traffic, jammed.

It’s crazy.

[Ryan Cook]

Same for me a couple days ago. Jammed with cars on Esquimalt Rd. The 40km/h speed limit is wonderful.

[Bambam]

Same for me a couple days ago. Jammed with cars on Esquimalt Rd. The 40km/h speed limit is wonderful.

 

...or not . Even more amusing are the lowered speed limits on Gorge Rd - from Gorge & Washington (save stopping at the light at Harriet obviously) down to the Tillicum light no_one does those reduced speeds; 60kph would be far closer to the reality.....

[Victoria Watcher]

'A diabolical-looking build': Proposed triplex has Oak Bay residents up in arms

 

 

Oak Bay council refused to grant variances for height and setback for the triplex proposed for St. Patrick Street

 

https://www.vicnews....sidents-7789127

 

 

 

 

Concerns about a proposed triplex drew a crowd to Oak Bay's council chambers Monday night (Jan. 27).

 

Following more than two hours of discussion, council rejected staff's recommendation and voted to deny a developer's request to replace a single-family home on St. Patrick Street with a three-story triplex. Kahlon Developments was told to return to council with a new application that meets Oak Bay's current residential building regulations.

 

The variance application sought to increase the residential building height to 9.31 metres from the 8.5 metres allowed and halve its three-metre interior side-lot-line setback regulations – the distance between the building and the property's edge.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 29 January 2025 - 10:54 PM.

[Mike K.]

Is that not the minister’s brother’s Kahlon Developments?

[GaryOak]

Well I guess that's another three units that won't be built that could have been put towards oak Bay's housing targets. But that is definitely an awkward circle to square. Wonder if they let this one slide for that reason.

Edited by GaryOak, 30 January 2025 - 07:24 AM.

[Barrister]

Why cant the developers just build inside the actual zoning. The province has already forced increases. They know what the zoning requirements arebefore they buy the property so why always push it. I guess if it is the ministers brother he figures he gets to bully Oakbay.

[Mike K.]

Well I guess that's another three units that won't be built that could have been put towards oak Bay's housing targets. But that is definitely an awkward circle to square. Wonder if they let this one slide for that reason.

 

It is a little awkward, I'm sure.

 

All of this is awkward. The housing minister singles out Oak Bay, then Oak Bay rejects his brother's development application. What is going on behind the scenes here? Or maybe these are two completely seperate tangents with nothing to do with each other.

 

Here's Kahlon Dev's website: https://kahlondevelopments.ca/

[Victoria Watcher]

Why cant the developers just build inside the actual zoning. The province has already forced increases. They know what the zoning requirements arebefore they buy the property so why always push it. I guess if it is the ministers brother he figures he gets to bully Oakbay.

Because if you cab get the variance, you can build bigger and be more profitable. And/9r in this case, save money on excavation costs.

So for the relatively small cost of the variance request you might make many more times in extra profit. It’s worth the ask.

[Mike K.]

It's sort of like asking, why can't I buy something, for the same price as when a rule was drafted? If the guidelines originate from circa 2015, lots has changed since then. If they originate from before then, lots more has changed since.

 

Even if they're relatively new guidelines, lots has still changed. Just look at the prices at your grocery store.

 

Building restrictions and guidelines might make sense when they are adopted, but lose relevance as time goes on. It can be financially impossible to build a profitable residential project if you adhere to the guidelines. Municipalities say no problem, apply for a variance. But that's not always guaranteed, so no new housing gets built.

[corvus]

Why cant the developers just build inside the actual zoning. The province has already forced increases. They know what the zoning requirements arebefore they buy the property so why always push it. I guess if it is the ministers brother he figures he gets to bully Oakbay.

From my experience in development, zoning often doesn't match up with the OCP at all. The OCP will call for a certain height/density/building form, but the zoning bylaw hasn't been updated to meet it, so you have to apply for the rezoning. Pretty typical.

[Darren14]

Got this in the mail today.

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[Mike K.]

Oh wow. That’s immediately north of the failed proposal.

https://victoria.cit...dered-for-sale/

[Darren14]

Oh wow. That’s immediately north of the failed proposal.

https://victoria.cit...dered-for-sale/

Do you know if the building proposals are out yet, or do i have to wait for the meeting?

[Mike K.]

If you can find the agenda for the meeting, they’ll be in there. I’ll have to take a look myself next time I'm at a PC.

[Darren14]

Two of the main slides from the ongoing meeting

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[Mike K.]

It looks like a group out of Surrey. All of these towers have so far involved groups from Surrey.