Christie Point Newsletter - February 2017
Resident update detailing changes to the proposal based on feedback, including a reduction in height and unit count.
Christie Point Newsletter
February 2017
Thank you to those who attended the Open Houses on February 1 and February 2, and to those who provided feedback on our proposed redevelopment plans for Christie Point Apartments. Working with the community, our goal is to bring forward a plan that is sensitive to the advice and input we have received from our residents and the community. In response to questions raised, and to ensure continuity and access to information, we have created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document and will be updating it as we move forward through this process. The FAQ is attached for your convenience. It is also posted on our website and www.christiepoint.ca
We recognize that our proposal will require the redevelopment of your homes, and that this is causing uncertainty and anxiety for everyone. We are committed to working with you, and to supporting you in your transitions. We have committed to doing more than what provincial regulations require – and we are discussing additional ways we can help. Thank you for your patience as we work through the rezoning process. Much of the information that you need regarding future rents and timing will only come to light once we know what we can or cannot build on the property.
Our desire is to provide more rental homes for the area at a scale where rents may be within an achievable range for our existing residents, while respecting and enhancing the environmental values of this property, and honouring the historical relationship that the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations have with this land. There is a direct relationship between density and rents. Our goal is to create new and much needed rental housing in View Royal and to create more rental options to choose from by introducing a range of units including studio, one, two and three bedroom units. To minimize environmental and archaeological impacts, we are proposing to build up and not spread the footprint of the new buildings across the entire site.
On Wednesday February 15, the Town of View Royal is holding a Special Committee of the Whole Meeting in the gymnasium at the Songhees Wellness Centre 1100 Admirals Road at 7pm to review Realstar’s proposal for the redevelopment of Christie Point.
A Committee of the Whole meeting is a forum where View Royal staff and Realstar will present the proposal for the redevelopment of Christie Point to Council for information for the first time. Council will also receive a report from the Town of View Royal staff summarizing the application relative to municipal policies. It is also an opportunity for the public to learn more about the proposal and to share their views with Council, and it is an opportunity for us to receive feedback from Council and the public.
Thank you for staying engaged with us. We will continue to update you in person and through newsletters over the coming months. You can continue to share your thoughts with us on the project website, or send us an e-mail to: christiepointredevelopment@realstar.ca
Heather Grey-Wolf Vice President of Development with Realstar and project team
Project Update
September 2016:
Realstar and its consultant team met with the residents of Christie Point to share the vision for the redevelopment and receive feedback, and held a Neighbourhood Open House at the View Royal Town Hall to gather additional feedback and comments from the broader community. Realstar and its consultant team began conversations with the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.
As a result of these engagements with the community and with residents of Christie Point, Realstar updated its proposal from the 9-storey, 520 unit development initially shown to the public, reducing building heights to a maximum 6-storey development and density to a total of 473 units.
December 2016:
Realstar submitted its application for a Zoning By-law Amendment (‘ZBA’) to permit the redevelopment of Christie Point to the Town of View Royal. This application is to inform Town staff on the project and to receive feedback on our application. Mayor and Council did not receive the application.
January 2017:
A rezoning application sign was put up on the property in January to inform the public that an application has been submitted to the Town of View Royal for redevelopment. The information submitted as part of the ZBA package, and accompanying technical reports are available for review on the project website. www.christiepoint.ca
February 2017:
Realstar hosted two Open Houses (February 1 and 2) – one for residents at Christie Point in the social room, and one for the community at the Songhees Wellness Centre. Approximately 40 - 50 people attended each open house to review the redevelopment plans with the project team. A “Frequently Asked Questions” document was distributed along with a Notice of the February 15 Special Committee of the Whole meeting held by the Town of View Royal.
Next Steps: Spring - Summer 2017
Following the special Committee of the Whole meeting, Realstar and the project team will review the feedback from Mayor and Council, and work with the Town of View Royal staff to address requests for changes or amendments as appropriate.
Realstar will bring the final application back to the residents in advance of hosting a Neighbourhood Open House. The date will be informed by the discussions and direction coming out of the Committee of the Whole meeting and ongoing meetings with Town of View Royal staff. Thank you for your patience.
Once Town of View Royal staff has completed their review of the application, it will be presented to the Town of View Royal Council for a decision whether or not to advance the application to a public hearing.
This timeline has yet to be determined.
Thank you!