by Janice Henshaw –
No one can have missed the multi-family housing developments under construction in Sidney and the Peninsula; it seems that the pop of air guns, the ring of hammers and movement of heavy equipment can be heard from almost everywhere. And as with all developments, there are residents who are not happy about it; they would prefer that the lovely small-town feel of Sidney and rural lands of the Peninsula remain undiscovered. They can do just fine without the disruption of construction, view obstructions, road congestion, and all that entails, thank you very much.
Long-time Peninsula resident Ingrid Jarisz (Newport Realty Sidney-Christie’s International) is excited about the changes. “Sidney is changing but for the better in my opinion. We are seeing the Town realize that it needs to diversify and keep pace with how Victoria Core is growing and changing, but I don’t feel it will ever lose its Sidney by the Sea charm and attraction.” Ingrid adds that the buyers coming into the market are bringing new energy to the town and the shops. “With prices inching up in the Core, new homeowners are discovering the benefits of Peninsula living and the lifestyle it can offer.”
Doug Walker, Secretary of the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, reports that 3,000 people commute for work to Sidney and North Saanich from the western communities and over the Malahat. “There is a lack of local affordable housing in this area and business groups have been working to arrange new developments for several years. We have employers and business opportunities, but we desperately need more housing for workers.” Well, it’s happening –there are 13 new multi-housing developments!
Marigold Lands is a three-phase condo and townhouse development under construction on eight acres at 7874 Lochside Drive – the previous site of Marigold Nurseries. The master-planned neighbourhood will ultimately consist of 220 to 250 residential units and 4,000 square feet of commercial space. Scott Marchant (Crozier & Marchant/Remax Camosun) reports that Phase One is 95% complete and consists of 38 one- and two-bedroom condominiums including six penthouses in the five-storey building, nine townhouses and eight duplex-style townhomes. 23 condos and two townhomes have been sold. Builders: Campbell Construction and G.T. Mann/ Developer: Tim Hackett & Steve Mann/ Design: KPL James Architects/Interiors: Kimberly Williams Interior Designs. $425,900 to $809,900.
Aura Residences is a 34-unit, one- to three-bedroom condominium development to be built at 9861 Third Street in Sidney. Kyle Porter (Victoria Real Estate Team) says that the site has been cleared for the four-storey building, which will have underground parking, airy over-height ceilings, oak cabinetry and engineered oak flooring, premium energy-efficient stainless steel appliances and a natural gas fireplace. Design: dHKarchitects/ Homewood Constructors Ltd. /Heather Kallos Design Inc. Completion-winter of 2021.
The Bevan is a 21-unit luxury condo development designed by Alan Lowe Architect Inc. and currently under construction at 2526 Bevan Avenue (Sidney). Chace Whitson (Macdonald Realty) says that the units will feature an open concept layout, high-quality finishes, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and electric fireplaces. Developer/Builder: Harbour City Ventures Corp. Completion – Spring 2020. Pricing not available.
Breeze by the Sea is a four-storey collection of 37 one- to three-bedroom condominium homes at 9850 Fourth Street in Sidney. Highlights include private patios and balconies, gourmet kitchens, high ceilings and the use of energy-conscious materials, features and fixtures. Developer/Construction Manager: Homewood Constructors Ltd. /Architect: dHKarchitects/ Interior Designer-Heather Kallos Design Inc. $335,900-$775,900. Completion-summer 2021.
Leeward on Bevan and Third in Sidney is a collection of four coastal homes: two boutique townhomes on the upper levels and two live/work lofts with street access. Designed by Low Hammond Rowe Architects Inc.and completed in 2019 by Aryze Developments, features include a private elevator, lifetime Modo Car share membership, quality appliances and custom millwork. “It has the most amazing roof-top deck in Sidney,” says Kent Roden (Holmes Realty.com). If this was a top floor unit in a condo building it would be over $1 million. It’s great value for under $800,000.”
Regatta Park is a phased 54-unit condo development built by Casman Properties at 10680 McDonald Park Road in North Saanich, with project completion scheduled in early 2020. Regatta Park was designed by Finlayson Bonet Architecture. The 2+ bedroom condos have private balconies, Entertainer Kitchens, Whirlpool Appliances, engineered hardwood floors, gas range and fireplace, full-size laundry room in suites and vaulted ceilings in the penthouse units. $500,000 to $729,900.
Eaglehurst Homes is a large single-family housing development under construction off of Canora Road in North Saanich. Over 65 non-strata homes are now occupied, with 85% of the total 99 homes sold. Laura Li, Newport Realty Project Coordinator, says that the purchasers include families, people downsizing for the most part from the Greater Victoria Area with some from Alberta. “Many homeowners work locally at the airport and ferries or commute to downtown Victoria. Features include gourmet kitchens with Caesarstone countertops, elegant ensuites, privacy fencing and in-ground irrigation.” Developer: DH1 Developments/Builder and Design: Città Group/Interior Design Sandy Nygaard. $724,900 to over $1,149,900.
Ocean Park Place is an eight-unit premium townhouse development at 10490 Resthaven Drive. The townhouses feature open floor plans, a stunning kitchen with shaker cabinets and quartz counters, KitchenAid® appliances, engineered hardwood flooring, and nine-foot ceilings. Mark Roozendaal (The Preferred Homes Team at RE/MAX Camosun) reports that over 50% of the units are sold. “Because Ocean Park Place offers easy living with the main bedroom and principal rooms on the no-step main level, most of our buyers have been downsizing from the family home.” Developer/Builder: Dallas Ruud / McNeil Building Designs. Interior design: Sabrina Ruud. $599,900 to $649,900.
The Arbours consists of 30 one- and two-bedroom condo units and four live-work townhomes located in Brentwood Bay at 7162 West Saanich Road. “Over 80% of the condos have been sold,” says Neil. Features include engineered hardwood floors, quartz countertops, double sink, and KitchenAid® appliances. Developer: BB West Developments Ltd. / Interior Designer-Judy Henderson of Inside Design Studio Inc. / Project Manager: Knight Contracting Ltd. / One-bedroom homes start at $399,900; two-bedrooms at $525,900; townhouses from $599,900.
Cameo Condo Residences are a 45-unit condo development by Casman Properties at 9844 Third Street in Sidney. The six-storey building is scheduled for completion in late 2022. Designed by Finlayson Bonet Architecture, it will include The Star Cinema, a newly-built 7,250-square-foot movie theatre on the main level. Cameo offers a variety of floorplans from studios to three-bedroom units and a Penthouse Collection scheduled to launch in 2020. Oversized windows and balconies will offer sweeping views in every direction. Art Deco-inspired design will highlight the lobby and common areas throughout the building. “The buyers have come from local municipalities on Vancouver Island and from the mainland,” says Neil Blainey (The Condo Group). Studios start from $299,900, one-bedrooms from $319,900, two bedrooms from $504,900 and three bedrooms from $699,900.
The Quartet is a five-storey, 22-unit condominium project featuring 19 residential suites (including a penthouse) and three ground floor live-work units on Fourth Street off Beacon Avenue in Sidney. Features include engineered hardwood floors, KitchenAid® appliances, and large open-air balconies. Neil Blainey (The Condo Group Real Estate Ltd.) reports that over 70% of the condos are sold. Developer: Sidney Fourth Street Development Ltd. / Design: dHKarchitects/ Interior Design: Judy Henderson of Inside Design Studio Inc. /Project Manager: Knight Contracting Ltd. / Two-bedroom homes start at $554,900; townhomes at $649,900.
Malaview Place is a boutique development of eight townhouses to be built near Fifth Street and Malaview Avenue in Sidney that is also being developed by Dallas Ruud. Priced to start in the low 500’s, Mark says that it is scheduled to be completed late in 2020. The homes will offer affordable living with bedrooms on the upper level, high-quality finishes and efficiency in every aspect of the design.” Design: Java Designs. Interior design: Sabrina Ruud.
The Beacon is a planned five-storey collection of 34 condos with ground-floor commercial space along Beacon Avenue and Fourth Street. Designed by Finlayson Bonet Architecture Ltd., the condos will have high ceilings, oversized windows, gourmet kitchens, designer interiors and spa-inspired bathrooms. Developer/Builder: Mamic Developments. Pricing not available.
“The next couple of years will be extremely interesting to see how our little town changes and what impact all the new developments will have on the growth and infrastructure,” says Kent Roden. “Sidney is such a unique spot,” adds Ingrid, “with great walkability, steps to the oceanfront and only minutes to parks, trails, farm markets and airport and ferries – it really is a seaside gem!” And that’s why we love it.
