Council delays decision on marina buildings

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Aug 19 2011

By: Bill Cleverly

Victoria council has delayed for two weeks consideration of a development permit application to build two commercial buildings for a luxury marina at Songhees in Victoria's harbour.

WAM Development Group and developer Bob Evans are partners in the project to construct the buildings and a 29-slip marina, estimated to cost up to $19 million.

City staff had recommended that councillors approve issuance of the development permit that would allow the two, onestorey buildings to go up on water lots - one at the foot of Paul Kane Place and the other at the foot of Cooperage Place.

But several councillors said they didn't like the faux-masts and lines on the buildings. Each building is designed to mimic the lines of a ship and would feature masts and cables. The exterior would be glass and metal. Large windows would surround the building. A paddling route would be created underneath the buildings.

Councillors wanted assurance of the availability of unobstructed parking space 24 hours a day and a guarantee of 24-hour access to the public walkways wrapping around each building.

John Alexander, lawyer for the proponent, said following Thursday's committee meeting that parking is secure and should not have been an issue.

The developer owns 48 spaces in the parkade at the adjacent Royal Quays condominium project.

"Since 1990, at the requirement of the city, these parking spaces under Royal Quays have been assigned to and specifically for these two lots. The city required that and they wouldn't create the two lots until that took place," Alexander said.

"The lease is in place. It's a 200-year lease and it says unequivocally that Community Marine Concepts has unobstructed, 24-hour access to those spaces, so there's no uncertainty."

Trying to be a good neighbour, the developer has consulted with the Royal Quays strata council to try to ease their concerns about whether an interior security gate can be installed, Alexander said.

But their lease is clear, they have 24-hour access.

Lachlan MacLean, WAM spokesman, called the latest delay "frustrating."

"Staff have the information that says it's categorically black and white. It's not unclear. Council wasn't given the information to make the right decision today," MacLean said.

The development has ignited controversy in the community. Many residents oppose the project, saying it will affect their views, hurt the environment and add extra traffic in an already busy harbour.

About 20 members of the public were in the gallery to watch the council debate which started - a full hour late - with Mayor Dean Fortin reading a prepared statement outlining that the application related only to the construction of the two buildings.

"The right to develop these two lots is independent of anything to be done with the water lot for the marina," he said.

"In considering the development permit application, council's role is limited by law to considering only matters related to the form and character of the buildings and whether they comply with the design guidelines for the area. Council cannot deny a development permit simply because it does not approve of the proposed use of the property."

bcleverley@timescolonist.com

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