[Saanich] Tillicum Centre condo | 13- & 9-storeys | Approved

Tillicum Centre expands

Two restaurants could be moved for construction


Andrew A. Duffy, Times Colonist

Published: Saturday, February 16, 2008
Restaurants could give way to a residential development and new retail space could be opened up at Tillicum Centre if the company that owns the site has its way.
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust has plans for a residential development on the northwest corner of its Tillicum Centre property on the site currently occupied by Kelsey's and Montana's restaurants.
[...]
© Times Colonist (Victoria) 2008

....

That's good because the stand-alone restaurants add nothing to the mall. They just sit there surrounded by an ocean of cars. I see there's a rezoning sign that says one of the restaurants is to be replaced by a liquor store.

While I think this is great news. I do feel sad that we are already about to tear down only 9 year old buildings. It just seems so wasteful. This also further lends credence to the bus way plan as it is a stop along the route.

Thank god for suburban-style disposable architecture

Expect a fatscraper to grace the parking lot.

While I think this is great news. I do feel sad that we are already about to tear down only 9 year old buildings. It just seems so wasteful. This also further lends credence to the bus way plan as it is a stop along the route.

Remember when they tore down the (I think Centra Gas building?) on Tolmie to put up Staples. It was like only 3 or 4 years old.

[quote name='Holden West']That's good because the stand-alone restaurants add nothing to the mall. They just sit there surrounded by an ocean of cars. I see there's a rezoning sign that says one of the restaurants is to be replaced by a liquor store.

i heard awhile back that a private liquor store would be taking over the space where the Brass Duck is. when, i don't know.

I can see the Brass Duck being replaced but Montana's and Kelsey's are always busy. Move them perhaps but I don't see either leaving.

Mrs. West's grandparents think the Brass Duck is cat's meow when it comes to quality fine dining. They will be devastated to learn of its possible demise. Where else can you go to get grilled breaded sole cooked well-done?

I did some work for another proposed stand alone restaurant in the parking lot a couple of years ago, cool if they changed plans, I didn't really think it was a smart way to go.

The public meeting this evening was well attended, or perhaps it was the ridiculously small room.

Most of the comments I overheard were about parking, specifically about mall shoppers parking on residential streets. One fellow felt that a 300 unit building would require 2 parking stalls per unit although the developer's representative said that it would more likely be 400 stalls which is well above city centre parking requirements.

The main building runs along the property line from Burnside Road to the existing parkade and features retail on the parking lot side of the podium and two storey townhouses on the park side. In the middle of the podium is a plaza and entry to the floors of residential units above. The building features a donut hole through the building above the plaza. A small second building is planned for a spot backing onto the existing two storey parkade near the movie theatres which would accommodate one of the displaced restaurants.

For those who prescribe to the "tall skinny highrise is a cure to all problems" mantra, you will not be chuffed by the design but I thought it was quite acceptable and an improvement on the current situation.

FM: Do any renderings exist of Saanich's new fatscraper?

Tillicum proposal draws support
Plan for residential development near shopping centre exceeds height limit
Louise Dickson, Times Colonist
Published: Thursday, February 21, 2008

The proposal for a residential development at Tillicum Mall exceeds the suggested eight-storey height limit for major centres in Saanich's draft Official Community Plan.

But Paul Gerrard, president of the Gorge-Tillicum Community Association, said he'll support the 12-storey design envisioned by RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust because it will provide affordable housing.

[...]

ldickson@tc.canwest.com


© Times Colonist (Victoria) 2008

There's a map-style rendering in the hard copy of the paper, so all you el-cheapos go out and buy a copy.

For those who prescribe to the "tall skinny highrise is a cure to all problems" mantra, you will not be chuffed by the design...

If this building gets built and if it's a success then it's possible that additional buildings might eventually be built in the vicinity. That's when the perils of the fatscraper format will become very evident. Blocked views, excessive shading and so forth. And no esthetic appeal when viewed from a distance. I have no idea what this particular proposal looks like so I'll reserve judgment, but I can't say I'm thrilled at the prospect of bulky suburban highrise projects in Greater Victoria. Last time I checked, Victoria was in BC, not Ontario or Quebec.

"It won't be exclusive, but we want it to be a very nice development."

This statement gives me some hope.

Do any renderings exist of Saanich's new fatscraper?

The meeting was not very well executed. The consultants, for the most part, arrived at the unmarked room when the meeting started and proceeded to arrange easels and the rendering while the introduction was given. The room was very small and so packed full of people that it was impossible to take pictures once we were dismissed and allowed to roam (yes, I did have my camera).

And as a note, in other jurisdictions it's known as a slim-line tower.

The architects are MCMP (Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership) in Vancouver. Perhaps they will update their website with the new plan in the near future?

And where was Scaper last night? Isn't this in his corner of heaven?

The proposal for a residential development at Tillicum Mall exceeds the suggested eight-storey height limit for major centres in Saanich's draft Official Community Plan.

If the community plan suggests 8-storeys is the way of the future in Saanich, good luck to the proponents of residential "towers" at T&C.

I just got a tiny card in my mailbox from RioCan (presumably because I live close by):

RioKim Holdings (Tillicum Centre) Inc. owners of Tillicum Centre are hosting an Open House
October 1, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Upper Level, Tillicum Centre

The purpose of the meeting is to provide an update on the proposed residential expansion at Tillicum Centre. A refined version of the previously presented plans will be on display for review and comments.

Thanks gjbroom! And welcome to the forum.

One question... is this where the new Saanich Centennial library is? I don't get out there much so I am a bit confused.

I think we'd all appreciate it if somebody in attendance can get a few pictures. Is it just me or have pictures been few and far between lately on this site?

One question... is this where the new Saanich Centennial library is? I don't get out there much so I am a bit confused.

From Saanich's website: Amendment to DPR98-00002 to construct a 13 storey mixed use building with 264 residential units and additional retail/ parking at Tillicum mall. Variances are requested for height and parking.

Site plan can be found here (PDF 1.0 MB)

My hope is that this will give my neighbourhood a bit more of a boost to enhance a walking/street culture. The 264 residential units should add another 500 or so people in the neighbourhood and should make the back parking lot at Tillicum a focus of the community and a constant flow of people all day and night.