Correspondence (d): Email from Elaine Szostak
Public comment opposing the rezoning, describing it as a 'bait and switch' regarding the original grocery store promise.
Correspondence regarding Re-zoning of 258 Helmcken Rd
-----Original Message----- From: Elaine Sent: October 7, 2025 1:12 PM To: Sid Tobias mayortobias@viewroyal.ca; Mayor And Council Email mayorandcouncil@viewroyal.ca Subject: Re-zoning of 258 Helmcken Rd, View Royal.
I was upset to see a sign with a notification to re-zone the commercial floor of the condominium recently built at 258 Helmcken Rd.
My understanding is that the developer was given concessions such as increased density (extra floors) to allow for the commercial space below to include a market/grocery store. Now that the project is completed and the building is being sold, the developer wants to renegotiate the land use from a market to office space, coffee shop because he is unable to deliver a tenant for the market. I see this as a bait and switch from the developer.
They had an interested tenant but the rent required by the owners of the building ended that relationship. I suspect chopping the retail space up would be an easier sell for the owner but, we were promised a market to allow him higher density. Further to that, directly across the street currently there are medical/ dental offices, pharmacy and a coffee shop.
What we need is a walkable market on this side of the TC highway! With the numerous multi level buildings being built on the Old Island and new ones being proposed by Fort Victoria, there is a real need.
I’m all for increased development in View Royal, but not having developers reneging their commitments to our town after projects are build. They don’t live here, we do.
Please deny their request to re-zone. It will send a message to other developers to be fully aware of that they will be expected to meet their obligations.
Elaine Szostak