A condominium project at the Glanford Avenue site of the former Bird of Paradise Pub now the Bird Pub has passed the public-hearing stage in Saanich by a vote of 8-1.
In some cases, residents say, the proposed projects exceed the size and density allowed under existing rules. “What we’re seeing now is efforts by developers to really go to the max in terms of density and building heights that were never contemplated for these areas,” said Roger Graham, president of the Royal Oak Community Association. “It’s happening without public input except on a project-by- project basis. It’s death by a thousand cuts, in a sense, if these kinds of projects actually are going to ultimately be approved by Saanich.” Mayor Fred Haynes countered that none of the projects have received final approval and that council has a responsibility to consider all proposals and points of view.