Letter: Re: 1720 Wilfert Road – Reinstatement of residential uses in the C7 Zone
A letter from Rachael Sansom proposing a rezoning for 1720 Wilfert Road to allow mixed-use with residential apartments or condominiums.
June 30th, 2021
Mayor and Council Town of View Royal 45 View Royal Avenue Victoria B.C. V9B 1A6
Re: 1720 Wilfert Road – Reinstatement of residential uses in the C7 Zone.
Dear Mayor and Council,
Further to our discussion on December 3rd of last year, the owner of 1720 Wilfert Road (currently zoned C-7) is keen to pursue a rezoning that will allow mixed use with a residential apartment or condominium on this parcel. If you recall, bylaw 1057 was approved November 4, 2020 to remove “Mixed Commercial and Residential Use” from the C-7 zone.
The new proposal is also two buildings with primarily residential use. Office or low traffic commercial could be located on the ground floor of either building. As this property is shielded from the Island Highway by Elements Casino, it does not have the drive by appeal for commercial use. Half the units will face Millstream Creek, and the other would face Wilfert Road. And as previously noted, this parcel is identified as Neighborhood use in the Official Community Plan. Our biologist has confirmed that there are no changes to the Riparian setbacks to Millstream Creek. Of course, a complete and updated environmental report would be prepared for this new application.
When a previous development permit was presented to View Royal in November of 2018, closing the portion of Wilfert Road adjacent to the lands was contemplated for parking and emergency access. Closing this road and adding to the development lands is still a desire of the proponent due to the restrictions of the Millstream Creek embankment to the west. The new proposal contemplates moving the building farther east into what would be the closed road area should Council agree. Emergency Access to the south would certainly still be available Parking would be located under both buildings. Concept plans are attached.
Of course we understand that Council will weigh the merits of an application at the time, but we are seeking direction to prepare a re-zoning application package for staff review and future consideration of Council.
Thank you again for your time.
Rachael Sansom A.Sc.T Agent for Brian Baker, owner 1720 Wilfert Road