Nearly 100 residential rental units and thousands of square feet in commercial space could be coming to Sooke, as developers propose a new mixed-use development near the harbour.
Seacliff Properties has applied for a development permit to the District of Sooke for 98 residential rental units plus over 16,000 sq. ft. of commercial and retail space at the corner of Sooke and Goodmere roads, east of the town centre.
The apartment building called “Harbourview One” would sit six storeys high and be wrapped by townhomes, while a one-storey commercial building and a three-storey mixed-use building would create “The Shops at the Harbour,” according to Seacliff.
In a press release, the developer says it aims to offer “timeless appeal and outstanding views” on a site previously zoned in 2011 for “comprehensive development” with community amenities such as a nature trail, waterfront access, affordable housing and more.
According to Sooke’s development tracker, Seacliff’s application is one of five currently “received” by District staff, with four other applications “on hold” and 21 “in progress.”
“I am pleased this project will be moving forward, bringing with it long-term investment into our downtown core, along with much-needed housing, amenities and important upgrades to Highway 14,” said Sooke Mayor Maja Tait.
As part of the project, Seacliff says Sooke Road (Highway 14) would see improvements, including a new transit stop, an eastbound left-turn lane into Sooke Elementary School and a westbound left-turn lane onto Goodmere Road, plus upgrades to the Sooke at Goodmere Road intersection.
Full frontage improvements like new sidewalks and boulevard landscaping, as well as a planned extension of Lanark Road through to Goodmere Road to provide commuters with an alternative route to Highway 14, are also on tap.
Jeff Luccock, president of Seacliff, says the company is “excited” to move the project forward and invest long-term in the coastal community while ultimately enhancing the area.
“Our team is also excited to bring a multi-year employment opportunity to Sooke’s local construction industry, which will create a ripple effect of jobs and economic benefits to local businesses,” added Luccock.
Ethan Morneau
