It’s the largest potential development in Victoria’s history, and now more details are expected at a public hearing for the Roundhouse project in Vic West.
It includes nine buildings, from 10 to 32-stories, and would total more than 2,000 residential units.
The public hearing is expected to be a full house, with both sides in attendance.
Supporting the Roundhouse project is the Greater Victoria Festival Society‘s Kelly Kurta.
“We’re going to be offered, possibly, an affordable area to come and perform and hold our events, and to link that new economic corridor between downtown and the Western Communities,” Kurta said.
Developer Ken Mariash has spent years trying to develop this 10-acre piece of land in the Songhees neighbourhood.
The buildings would include 215 affordable rental homes, and another 1,870 residential units.
The project would also include restoration of the historic buildings, as well as a childcare facility and 60,000 square feet of new retail and commercial space.
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The Roundhouse property is pictured on Jan. 11, 2024. (CHEK News)
But some, like Arthur McInnis with the grassroots organization People for Sensible Zoning, are not convinced.
“This is so much more than just Bayview. This is about what kind of city we want Victoria to be. My own view is more like Cook Street Village, than what is proposed,” McInnis said.
Locals are also split on the project.
With the project such a pillar of controversy in the community, it’s largely expected the public hearing will run longer than just one night.
Mary Griffin
