Submissions have also been made for rezonings for two more proposals, each on former gas-station sites. A proposal in Victoria for 1301 Hillside Ave. would see a 46-unit, six-storey building with a small “pocket park” facing Cook Street, Nvision development manager Adam Cooper said Tuesday. Another plan has been submitted to the municipality of Saanich for a 78-unit, six-storey building at 3949 Shelbourne St. For each of those projects, Nvision is waiting for a certificate of compliance from the province. Previous owners were responsible for environmental cleanup of the gas-station properties, Cooper said. Underground development is not permitted on these sites because of past use. That is why the developer is seeking permission to have fewer than the required parking spots for those projects.
VICTORIA The longstanding Gorge Pointe Pub will shut its doors at the end of the year after the property was purchased by a Victoria development company. Abstract Developments says it purchased the property at 1075 Tillicum Rd. with plans to redevelop the corner lot. Before any development begins, however, Abstract says it will engage with the community. It’s important we hear from the members of the immediate community in order to understand what is important to them as we move forward with our application, said Mike Miller, president and CEO of Abstract Developments in a release Monday. This location along the Gorge waterway makes it an attractive site to both live and access nearby services, he said.
VICTORIA A generous donation from a local developer is going to make a difference in the lives of many Greater Victoria residents. Abstract Developments has donated $75,000 to The Cridge Centre for the Family. The money will go to various programs for families and individuals that need extra support in the community. The non-profit society had been around for 148 years, helping women leaving violent relationships, families needing supportive and transitional housing, seniors, brain injury survivors and young and single parents. The Cridge Centre has been dealing with increased pressure on its programs since the start of the pandemic and the development company wanted to help.
Ahistoric two-storey apartment block sliced in half a year ago and carefully moved from Richmond Avenue to Rockland is whole again and one of four character rental homes, all upgraded by the same owners.
“Definitely five stars. I don’t think it could be better,” said Victoria Coun. Pamela Madoff, who has a special interest in heritage. She praised Mike Sweet, of Black Horse Contracting, and Harry Newton, of Newtco Realty, for buying and taking on the enormous job of fixing up the circa-1880 building.
Many old Victoria houses have been moved to the Gulf Islands or up-Island, Madoff said. “To see this one not only staying in the city, but staying in the neighbourhood, that’s when you start to think that sometimes maybe the stars do align.”
Photograph By Jacob McNeil Photograph By Geoff Hobson Photograph By Kara Tibbel, Matthew James The Victoria Residential Builders Association (VRBA) recently announced the Gold winners for the first online 2020 Construction Achievements and Renovations of Excellence (CARE) Awards of Vancouver Island. The 29th Annual CARE Awards showcased 37 categories and was attended virtually by the finalists and public. You can still view the event online. Highlights of the evening included
Project of the Year – Single Family awarded to M. Knight Construction, Zebra Group and Jenny Martin Design for Maison de Lee.
Project of the Year-Multi-Family went to Abstract Developments for Black and White. The popular