CHRISTIE POINT COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Detailed redevelopment proposal document by D'AMBROSIO architecture + urbanism for the Christie Point site.
Christie Point Comprehensive Development Plan
Appendix A to accompany rezoning application
Prepared for realstar by D’AMBROSIO architecture + urbanism in collaboration with TownSquare Planning Inc. December 12, 2016
Table of Contents
- Executive Summary: II
- 1 Introduction: 1
- 2 Community and Planning Context: 2
- 3 Project Intent and Planning Principles: 4
- 4 Community Engagement & Iterative Plan Development: 7
- 5 Site Analysis: 11
- 5.1 Historical Setting, Traditional Use and Archaeological Value
- 5.2 Natural Environmental Value
- 5.3 Mature Trees
- 5.4 Sea Level Rise
- 5.5 Layered Site Analysis
- 6 Christie Point Redevelopment Concept: 21
- 6.1 Site Plan and Development Data
- 6.2 Landscape Plan
- 6.3 Architecture
- 6.4 View, Noise and Light Impact Analysis
- 6.5 Shadow Impact Analysis
- 6.6 Transportation and Traffic Impact Analysis
- 6.7 Infrastructure and Servicing
- 7 Rental Housing and Affordability: 49
- 8 Community Benefits: 51
- 9 Phasing Plan: 53
- 10 Project Timeline: 54
Appendix A: Full Size Drawings
- A0.1 Cover Sheet
- A1.0 Site Context
- A2.0 Proposed Plans
- A2.1 Plan Overlays & Project Data
- A3.0 Proposed Rendered Views
- A4.0 Proposed Site Sections
- L1.0 Landscape Masterplan
- Site Survey Page 1 of 3
- Site Survey Page 2 of 3
- Site Survey Page 3 of 3
Appendix B: Community Engagement Summary
Appendix C: Technical Reports
- Geotechnical and Sea Level Rise Report (Ryzuk Geotechnical)
- Arborist Review (Talbot and Associates)
- Archaeological Overview Assessment Report (Terra Archaeology)
- Conceptual Servicing Report (McElhanney)
- Environmental Overview Assessment (Swell Environmental)
- Transportation Impact Assessment (Bunt & Associates)
Executive Summary
Christie Point is a unique property located within the setting of Portage Inlet in the Town of View Royal. Long-anticipated as a future redevelopment site, Realstar Management is proud to be bringing forward an application to amend the Zoning By-law that now applies to the site, that will retain rental housing as the long-term use of the site. Renewing and increasing the supply of dedicated rental housing in View Royal offers a number of community benefits and secures the site as a landmark location for rental accommodations within an urban, natural setting.
Accompanying this Zoning By-Law Amendment application is a detailed appendix which outlines the methodology and results of development feasibility analysis and site design studies that were undertaken to determine the appropriate capacity of the site and the potential architectural form for redevelopment. While this application to amend the current zoning criteria for the site is based on an indicative design scenario, no actual development can occur without the due process of design and the issuance by the Town of View Royal of a Development Permit for each building and commensurate portion of the property.
Background and Context
Realstar acquired the 15.8-acre Christie Point Apartments property in 2014 and began exploration of redevelopment options in early 2016. Comprehensive site redevelopment is now being proposed to replace the existing 161 units, originally constructed in 1963, and to increase the supply of purpose-built rental housing with an additional 312 new units – resulting in a total of 473 rental housing units in View Royal.
Commitment to Housing and Support for Tenants
Supporting current residents through the redevelopment process is a priority. Realstar has committed to the following assistance package:
- Realstar will give residents a minimum of 6-months’ notice that they will have to move.
- In addition to payment of one month’s rent required by the BC RTA, Realstar will provide a moving allowance or moving services.
- Assistance with packing for residents with physical disabilities and no other able-bodied adults in the household.
- Realstar will pay for disconnecting and reconnecting cable, internet, telephone.
- Realstar will pay for mail forwarding for up to 6 months.
- Realstar will give Christie Point residents first right to rent apartments in the new development.
Community Engagement and Refinement of Plan
Refinement of the concept plan through community review and feedback has resulted in building heights being reduced from a maximum of 9-storeys to a maximum of 6-storeys. The number of units has been reduced from 520 to 473. At 1.15 Floor Space Ratio (FSR), the proposal is well below the maximum anticipated density of 1.5 FSR of the View Royal OCP.
Community Benefits
Realstar is pleased to propose a comprehensive community amenity package, which represents over $20.2 million in net benefit to Town of View Royal.
- Creation of 312 units of net new rental housing
- Replacement of 161 rental homes
- Public access to enhanced landscaped site and trails
- Implementation of Green Shores environmental program as a pilot project
- LEED certification or equivalent for all new buildings
- $200,000 in Shoreline Drive improvements, including new sidewalk and street lights
- $500,000 for intersection at Shoreline and Island Hwy and re-laning
- Commitment to a $200 million development investment in View Royal
- Creation of 2,000 person-years of employment
- Generation of $4.5 million in Development Charges to View Royal
- Generation of $1.6 million in Building Permit Fees to View Royal
- Generation of $1.8 million in annual property tax revenue for View Royal
- Contribution of $1.0 million towards the Capital Regional District’s Regional Housing Trust Fund
1.0 Introduction
Christie Point Apartments is a 15.8-acre rental housing site located in the Town of View Royal. The buildings were originally constructed in 1963 and provide 161 two- and three-bedroom market rental units. Realstar acquired the Christie Point property in the spring of 2014. In the spring of 2016, Realstar initiated a study to explore the redevelopment potential with the intent to replace and increase the amount of rental housing.
2.0 Community and Planning Context
The Christie Point site is located within the Craigflower Neighbourhood of the Town of View Royal. Christie Point is a narrow peninsula of land extending into Portage Inlet. The site is within walking distance of the shops and services at Admirals Walk.
Policy LU8.4 Christie Point Encourage any future redevelopment at Christie Point to include a mix of medium density residential and park uses. Development at this location should be carefully reviewed to ensure that environmentally sensitive areas are protected, potential sea-level rise issues are addressed, and safe and efficient road access from the Island Highway is maintained. [Excerpt, View Royal Official Community Plan]
The property is currently zoned RM-1 Ground Oriented Multiple-Unit Residential, which allows up to 0.7 Floor Space Ratio (FSR) and a maximum height of 7.5 metres. The site is designated in the View Royal Official Community Plan (OCP) for Mixed-Residential use, which envisions buildings up to 3-4 storeys and densities up to 1.5 FSR for apartments.
The site is within three Development Permit Areas:
- Form and Character Development Permit Area: Mixed Residential
- Environmental Protection and Natural Hazards Development Permit Area: Natural Watercourse and Shoreline Areas
- Environmental Protection and Natural Hazards Development Permit Area: Sensitive Terrestrial Ecosystems
3.0 Project Intent and Planning Principles
- Respect the Natural and Cultural Environment: Cluster buildings to respect shoreline habitat areas and mature trees.
- Rebuild on Previously Disturbed Sites: Site new buildings on existing building footprints and paved areas; expand 'up' rather than 'out'.
- Renew and Expand Availability of Rental Housing in View Royal: Provide an increased amount and mix of housing types.
- Establish a Vernacular Design: Utilize durable materials and consider views to and from surrounding neighborhoods.
- Support Multi-Modal Transportation: Promote walking, cycling, and transit access.
- Provide Places for Relaxation and Recreation: Create open spaces for resident and visitor use.
- Respond to Tenant Needs: Plan for existing and future residents through phased redevelopment.
- Create a Viable and Sustainable Plan: Achieve an economically viable plan for sustainable redevelopment at approximately 1.15 FSR.
Rental Market Data
Realstar has indicated that rental rates for the new buildings will likely be higher than current ones, but current rents are already at or above market rates for the region. The property experiences an annual unit turnover of approximately 30%.
Christie Point Rental Rate Range
| Unit Type | Average Rent | Minimum Rent | Maximum Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,192 | $923 | $1,350 |
| 3BR + TH3 | $1,583 | $1,247 | $1,850 |
4.0 Community Engagement & Iterative Plan Development
Realstar began exploration in May 2016 and hosted a first tenant meeting in July 2016 with approximately 70 attendees. A newsletter was distributed in September 2016 followed by a second meeting attended by 80 residents.
Engagement also included local indigenous governments (Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation), municipal government, and community stakeholders.
Engagement Timeline
- 1963: 15.8 acre Christie Point Peninsula developed with 5 apartment buildings and 4 townhouse blocks.
- 2014: Property acquired by Realstar Management.
- Spring 2016: Assembly of Consultant Team.
- Spring / Summer 2016: Site Analysis, Conceptual Design, Stakeholder Identification, Tenant/Stakeholder Meetings.
- Summer / Fall 2016: Neighbourhood Open House, Preliminary Information Presentation to Council, Design Refinement.
- Fall / Winter 2016: Rezoning Application Submission, Ongoing Engagement.
Evolution of Building Form
5.0 Site Analysis
5.1 Historical Setting and Archaeological Value
The area was originally occupied by the Lekwammen (Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations). Christie Point may have been named after John Christie, an owner of the Craigflower Farm in the 1930s.
Terra Archaeology identified four archaeological sites on the property (DcRu-103, DcRu-104, DcRu-105, and DcRu-106).
5.2 Natural Environmental Value
Swell Environmental Consulting identified that the site is situated adjacent to the Craigflower Creek and Colquitz River estuaries. The terrestrial vegetation is primarily second-growth Douglas-fir, arbutus, and Garry oak.
The project is pursuing opportunities with the Green Shores program to become a pilot project for coastal development.
Green Shores Principles:
- Preserve or Restore physical processes.
- Maintain or Enhance habitat function.
- Prevent or Reduce pollutants.
- Avoid or Reduce cumulative impacts.
5.3 Mature Trees
Existing tall tree stands are up to 20 to 27 metres high, equivalent to buildings of 5 to 8 storeys.
5.4 Sea Level Rise
Ryzuk Geotechnical recommended a minimum flood construction level (FCL) of +3.3 m geodetic. The design team has adopted a minimal FCL of 3.5m for all habitable floor areas.
Flood Construction Level Calculations
| Parameter | Height (m) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Highest recorded tide (HHWLT) | 1.0 | (geodetic datum) Portage Inlet |
| Total Storm Surge | 1.0 | 0.81 m residual + 25% for storm intensity |
| Estimated wave effect | 0.3 | Limited due to sheltered Inlet |
| Uplift | -0.1 | 1.2 mm/year for 75 years |
| Sea Level Rise (SLR) | 0.8 | Assuming 75 year building lifespan |
| Free Board Factor | 0.3 | |
| FLOOD CONSTRUCTION LEVEL (geodetic) | +3.3 |

5.5 Layered Site Analysis

6.0 Christie Point Redevelopment Concept
The plan proposes 8 buildings with 473 rental units at a density of 1.15 FSR.
Density and Height Comparison (at 1.50 FSR)
- 2 Storeys: Almost all of the site would need to be covered in buildings.
- 4 Storeys: Approximately 15 buildings required, covering large portions of the site.
- 6 Storeys: Demonstrates improved preservation of open spaces.
[Images 48-53: Diagrams and renderings comparing building footprints at 2, 4, and 6 storeys]
Housing Density Scale
The proposed density of 75 units per hectare falls in the range of attached row housing and multi-storey walkup residences.
6.1 Site Plan and Development Data
Proposed Plan Data
| Building | # Residential Storeys | # Units | Approx Floor Area | Assigned Parking (Concealed) | Building Height Above Grade | Assigned Parking (At Grade) | Visitor Parking | Bike Parking (Class 1) | Bike Parking (Class 2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 2-6 | 76 | 125,000 s.f. | 64 | 26.0m | 11 | 85 | 12 | |
| B | 3-6 | 61 | 102,000 s.f. | 70 | 24.0m | 9 | 65 | 6 | |
| C | 6 | 60 | 100,000 s.f. | 70 | 24.5m | 9 | 65 | 6 | |
| D1 | 3-6 | 64 | 108,000 s.f. | 64 | 24.5m | 10 | 70 | 6 | |
| D2 | 3-6 | 64 | 108,000 s.f. | 64 | 24.5m | 10 | 70 | 6 | |
| E | 6 | 60 | 100,000 s.f. | 60 | 26.0m | 9 | 65 | 6 | |
| F | 4 | 50 | 79,000 s.f. | 48 | 26.0m | 8 | 55 | 6 | |
| G | 4 | 38 | 59,000 s.f. | 20 | 18.0m | 6 | 45 | 6 | |
| TOTALS | 473 | 781,000 s.f. | 460 | 62 | 72 | 520 | 54 |
Site Data Summary
| Metric | Existing (RM-1 Zone) | Proposed (Mixed Residential) |
|---|---|---|
| Site Area | 6.3 ha [15.58 ac] | 6.3 ha [15.58 ac] |
| Floor Space Ratio | 0.6 (base) | 1.15 |
| Lot Coverage (max) | 40% | NO CHANGE |
| Building Height (max) | 7.5m | 26.0m |
| Parking Ratio | 1.25 spaces per unit |
6.2 Landscape Plan
The plan focuses on GreenShores principles, removing invasive species (English Ivy), and planting native or adaptive species.
6.3 Architecture
[Images 68-72: Proposed Site Sections A through E showing building profiles and grades]
[Images 73-76: Rendered views from Portage Inlet Linear Park, Seabird Park, E&N Rail Trail, and Craigflower Bridge]
6.4 View, Noise and Light Impact Analysis
A study analyzed luminant area percentages of local buildings, typically ranging from 13-15%, to model night views.
[Images 77-86: Photos and light analysis diagrams of existing regional buildings] [Images 87-90: Rendered night views from Portage Inlet Linear Park, Seabird Park, E&N Rail Trail, and Craigflower Bridge]
6.5 Shadow Impact Analysis
[Images 91-96: Comparative shadow studies for Existing vs. Proposed buildings at Equinox, Summer Solstice, and Winter Solstice]
6.6 Transportation and Traffic Impact Analysis
Vehicle Trip Generation Rates - Observed Versus ITE Rates (for 161 Units)
| Source | In | Out | Total Trips |
|---|---|---|---|
| ITE 221 (Low-Rise) | 59 | 34 | 93 |
| ITE 223 (Mid-Rise) | 37 | 26 | 63 |
| ITE 230 (Condo/TH) | 57 | 27 | 84 |
| Observed | 32 | 13 | 45 |
Parking supply is proposed at 593 spaces (522 resident, 71 visitor), resulting in 1.25 spaces per unit. Bicycle parking includes 520 Class 1 spaces and 54 Class 2 spaces.
6.7 Infrastructure and Servicing
7.0 Rental Housing and Affordability
The project addresses several OCP Housing policies:
- HS1.1 Range of Housing Types: Includes ground-oriented units for family housing.
- HS1.2 Age in Place: Buildings designed with contemporary accessibility features.
- HS1.3/HS1.4 Trust Fund/Contributions: $1.0 million contribution to the CRD Regional Housing Trust Fund.
- HS1.6 Loss of Rental Housing: Commitment to a tenant assistance package exceeding RTA requirements.
- HS1.10 Affordability Through Design: Use of wood-frame construction up to 6 storeys.
8.0 Community Benefits
9.0 Phasing Plan
The team explored potential for construction in multiple phases to allow some residents to relocate within the complex. John Knappett of Knappett Projects Inc. confirmed the feasibility of this approach.
[Images 103-104: Maps showing current and proposed site phasing zones]
Document Images
(82)Photo of people enjoying a seaside patio
Artistic rendering of the development from Portage Inlet
Regional Average Rental Data bar chart (November 2016)
Table detail of Christie Point Rental Rate Range
1926 air photo of Christie Point
Map of Bird and Wildlife Features
Areas for Potential Redevelopment
Housing Density Scale chart from UBC Design Centre for Sustainability
Existing Site Plan
Proposed Site Plan with building labels A through G
Bird’s Eye View of Proposed Redevelopment, Looking Northwest
Bird’s Eye View of Proposed Redevelopment, Looking East
Proposed Level 2 Floor Plan
Proposed Concealed Subgrade Parking Plan
Existing vs. Proposed Site Coverage Comparison diagrams
Photo of native vegetation on site
Photo of shoreline trees
Photo of invasive species on site
Photo of bird roosting evidence (white-wash) on site
Landscape Masterplan with 14-point key including viewpoints, community gardens, and trails
Rendering of Landscaped Parking Roof between Buildings B and C

