May 09, 2012

Building Links 2012, Issue #18

Editor's Note

Kensington Island Properties is closer to receiving all of its approvals to move forward with their project, with the signing of a water license agreement between Union Bay Improvement District and the Comox Valley Regional District. The document was signed last week after being ratified unanimously by the UBID board. Earlier in the week, it had been approved by the CVRD board.

The City of Campbell River has issued a building permit in the amount of $4.2 million for Rose Harbour House, to be located at 1116 Dogwood Street. Construction is expected to start within the next few weeks, and the project is expected to be complete by March 2013. Heatherbrae Builders Ltd. was the lowest bidder for this project.

Meeting Today (May 9) for Industry Input on Proposed Increases for Sewer Development Cost Charges (DCCs)

The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is holding a special meeting for developers today (May 9), at 3:30 pm in the CVRD boardroom, at 550 Comox Road in Courtenay, in order to hear feedback regarding the proposed Development Cost Charges (DCC) increases. The CVRD will provide a short presentation followed by an opportunity to provide comments and feedback. All developers and builders are encouraged to attend.

The CVRD is recommending an increase to Sewer DCCs in the City of Courtenay and the Town of Comox. This increase will partially fund upgrades to the sewer system such as, increased pumping capacity, re-routing of force mains, increased treatment capacity and increased bio-solids removal and processing capacity.

DCCs are recommended to increase from the current charge of $2,470 to $5,980 for a single family lot. The commercial/institutional rate would increase from $7.20 to $34.89 per square metre. Similar increases are also recommended for other development categories. An increase in DCCs also translates into an equivalent increase in Capital Improvement Cost Charges (CICCs). CICCs are charges on properties brought into municipal boundaries.

May 02, 2012

Building Links 2012, Issue #17

Editor's Note​

The construction of new Comox Valley and Campbell River hospitals has been announced. Both facilities are expected to go to procurement this spring, with construction to begin in 2013, and completion estimated for 2017. The new Comox Valley Hospital will be built at the intersection of Lerwick and Ryan Roads, next to North Island College in Courtenay, and the Campbell River Hospital will be built at the site of the current hospital. The projects are jointly funded between the B.C. government and Comox-Strathcona Regional Hospital District. The Campbell River hospital budget is $266 million and the Comox Valley Hospital is $334 million.

The City of Courtenay is holding a public information session to review detailed plans for the upgrades to the Lewis Centre on Thursday May 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lewis Centre meeting room. Project Manager Blair Pettis will present the most recent floor plans and exterior design. The $5.4 million project will add 11,200 square feet to the facility and renovate 3,200 square feet.

The City of Campbell River has issued a tender for the North Island Highway Watermain Upgrade Project. See our tender section in this issue for more information.

Apr 25, 2012

Building Links 2012, Issue #16

Editor's Note

Heatherbrae Builders Ltd was the lowest bidder for construction for the Rose Harbour Transition Housing project, with a bid of $4,297,888, and is expected to be awarded the contract once final approvals are in place from BC Housing. The Campbell River and North Island Transition Society must also complete purchase of city owned lots and consolidate all of the properties into one before the building permit is issued. The city has already approved the building permit, subject to lot consolidation, and construction is expected to start in mid-May. The project is expected to be completed by March, 2013.

The project on Lerwick and McDonald Roads in Comox will go before council on May 2 for consideration of third reading. The plan calls for the development of 2,768 square metres of commercial space in four one-storey buildings and the development of six single-family lots on Tracker Place. Three of the buildings would front Guthrie Road.

The first quarter construction statistics are in this week's issue, and show values have remained relatively stable during the first quarter of 2012 for the Comox Valley and Campbell River region. See Page 2 for more information on the individual municipalities.

Apr 18, 2012

Building Links 2012, Issue #15

Editor's Note

The contract for the addition and renovation to the Christ the King Catholic Church has been awarded to AFC Construction. The renovation and upgrade will include a 300-seat hall, a full commercial kitchen and four additional classrooms. Thomas Dishlevoy is the architect for this project.

Seymour Pacific Developments has announced it plans to build a new head office in downtown Campbell River, along St. Ann’s Road. Seymour Pacific, which specializes in land development and construction of residential and multifamily housing, plans to erect a four to five storey tower with 40,000 to 50,000 square feet of commercial office space. See our proposed developments section for more information.

Courtenay council has agreed to move forward with the approval of $70,000 for the design, surveying, geotechnical, environmental and archeological work necessary for a pedestrian bridge to be located in Courtenay. A grant application will be submitted before the end of May to apply for funding to build the bridge.

Apr 11, 2012

Building Links 2012, Issue #14

Editor's Note

The proposed new Development Cost Charges (DCCs) proposed by the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) Sewage Commission for the sewer portion of new construction have received first and second readings and the CVRD will be seeking input from the development community and the public. We have spoken to the management of the CVRD and they plan to host a meeting for developers that will most likely be held at the end of April or early May. If adopted, the changes to the bylaw would mean that DCCs for single family residential units would increase by 143% to $5,980 and for commercial/institutional rate would increase by 500% to $34.89 per square metre.

Seymour Pacific Developments Ltd has begun demolition of the St. Ann's block of vacant buildings in downtown Campbell River. A press release is expected this week with details about the company's plans to develop the commercial site.

The Comox Valley Regional District has issued a tender for qualified consultants for the provision of engineering services for the detailed design for the installation of a water main under Ryan Road and the upgrade of the original Comox booster pump station. See our tender section for more information.

Campbell River Paving Way for Electric Vehicles

Campbell River city council gave first, second and third readings last week to a bylaw that, if adopted, will allow electric vehicles known as Neighbourhood Zero Emission Vehicles on city streets. Stanley Elliott, president of Campbell River Electric Wheels, sold council on the benefits of a bylaw similar to ones already in place in Tofino, Oak Bay, Esquimalt and Qualicum Beach.

The cars are touted as environmentally friendly for their low emissions output. Instead of running on gas, the cars are battery-powered and compact. Drew Hadfield, the city’s transportation manager, acknowledged that Neighbourhood Zero Emission Vehicles can not exceed 40 kilometres per hour as they lack safety features such as air bags, ABS, and shock absorbent body panels.

Hadfield said the Island communities that allow the vehicles indicated they were only aware of one or two vehicles in their respective communities and that they had not posed any problems. Elliott said one battery charge can last for 76 kilometres in ideal conditions. The battery can last anywhere between four and eight years.

Apr 04, 2012

Building Links 2012, Issue #13

Editor's Note

The Village of Cumberland will see construction of a new library. The Vancouver Island Regional Library board has now approved the construction. The library will be located across from Village Square and front onto Dunsmuir Avenue. The building will follow heritage design guidelines of the Village, and will include residential units will be located on the upper floor. Parking will be available at the front and rear of the building. The new library will cover more than 2,750 square feet, about three times the size of the existing space.

A Request for Proposal issued in December garnered three responses, which were evaluated according to financial, building and location criteria. Construction will start no later than September 15th, 2012, pending approvals from the Village.

The Kensington Island Properties development is moving closer to a water supply agreement. The Comox Valley Regional District and Union Bay Improvement District have reportedly agreed on the basic framework for a water supply agreement. More information is expected in the next few days.

Public Hearing for Mixed Use Development at 2310 Guthrie Road in Comox

A Development Permit application has been made in relation to a development proposal to permit approximately 2768 square metres of commercial space in four buildings oriented to Guthrie Road and McDonald Road and for six future single-family lots along Tracker Place.

The subject property is within Development Permit Area No. 4 Mixed Use: Commercial-Residential which is concerned with the form and character of the commercial development. The application may be inspected at the Town Hall, 1809 Beaufort Avenue, Comox, between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm. Monday through Friday, excepting statutory holidays up to and including April 4, 2012.

The Development Permit will be considered by Council at a Special Meeting of Council on April 4, 2012 at 7:00pm in d’Esterre House at 1801 Beaufort Avenue. At that meeting you may make a verbal presentation or provide a written submission.

For more information, please call 250.339.2202 or by e-mail council@comox.ca

Mar 28, 2012

Building Links 2012, Issue #12

Editor's Note

In last week's issue, we had an update on the proposed new Development Cost Charges (DCC's) proposed by the Comox Valley Regional District Sewage Commission for new construction. We are currently investigating the timeline and the implications for projects that are already in the pipeline. If adopted, the changes to the bylaw would mean that DCC's for single family residential units would increase by 143% to $5,980 and for commercial/institutional rate would increase by 500% to $34.89 per square metre. This new bylaw could be in effect in approximately four to six months.

Construction is expected to be underway in the next month on two projects in the Comox Valley. Renovations to the Christ the King Catholic Church and renovations to the new main gate and gatehouse building at the front entrance to 19 Wing Comox will be under construction in April. These two projects are worth (in total) about $1.2 million.

A tender package has been issued for the Rose Harbour Transition House in Campbell River for the following sub-trades: sheet vapour retarder; building insulation; steel studs and metal furring; gypsum board; acoustical ceilings; mechanical; and electrical. An additional tender package for sub-trades has been issued for the Comox Harbour Centre project, a new building that will be located at 1829 Beaufort Avenue in Comox. See inside this issue for details on all of these projects.

The “Linking Island Business” Event in Qualicum Beach Features The John Hart Project

BC Hydro and the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce will present “The John Hart Project and Maximizing Economic Opportunities through the Major Projects Portal” at the Linking Island Business event April 11 in Qualicum Beach. The session will provide the latest updates on the BC Hydro project while also showing how the portal provides suppliers and contractors with opportunities to profile their services to bid proponents and potentially access contract opportunities by registering on the new web portal.

“As the BC Hydro procurement process unfolds for the proposed John Hart Generating Station Replacement Project, the Major Projects Portal site is positioned to maximize the opportunities and benefits that will accrue with this and other major construction projects in the region,” says Rick Roberts, Past Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) Chair who has represented VIEA in the partnership between BC Hydro, Campbell River Chamber, Vancouver Island Construction Association, has collaborated on the Major Projects Portal. 

“VIEA continues to be impressed by the leadership shown by BC Hydro and that of local and regional business leaders as we prepare for the approximate billion dollar John Hart project,” adds Rick.

An overview of the CR Major Projects portal site by Colleen Evans, Executive Director of the Campbell River Chamber, and a project update from Stephen Watson of BC Hydro will also include some context for why local and regional businesses and organizations are involved in this initiative.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities and to register on-line visit www.viea.ca or email .

Mar 21, 2012

Building Links 2012, Issue #11

Editors Note

An announcement is expected to be made by Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) in the next few weeks with regards to the new hospital for the Comox Valley. Details about the exact location and construction start date will be released at that time.

A development permit application has been submitted for the 25,000 square foot addition to the Zellers/Target store located at the Driftwood Mall in Courtenay. This application is under review by the Courtenay planning department and the application will be sent out for referrals soon.

BC Hydro has initiated the procurement process for the proposed John Hart Generating Station Replacement Project with a Request for Qualifications (RFQ). BC Hydro will review the interested bidding teams and eventually shortlist them down to three before issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) this summer. BC Hydro is working towards having the first replacement generating unit in-service by 2017, with project completion in 2018. The budget for this project is estimated at $1.35 billion. See our tender section in this issue for more information.

Development Cost Charges to Increase

The Comox Valley Regional District Sewage Commission has approved a staff recommendation that would see a significant increase in development cost charges (DCCs). 

Changes to the bylaw would increase the charge for a single-family residential unit from $2,470 to $5,980. The commercial/institutional rate would increase from $7.20 to $34.89 per square metre.

Projected growth established the proposed DCC rates, the RD's Senior Manager of Engineering Services Marc Rutten told the commission.

The commission also approved a recommendation for a 2014 review of a 10-year capital plan to incorporate population growth information and capital project priorities.

Major improvements will be required over the next 10 years in order to meet system demands, accommodate growth, mitigate environmental risk and to meet Environment Ministry permit requirements.

Mar 14, 2012

Building Links 2012, Issue #10

Editors Note

Pacific Sands Beach Resort in Tofino has received first reading to rezone the property to allow for the construction of 350 accommodation units including 60 Rainforest Cabins, 127 Ridge Lodges, 20 South Villas, an 80 unit Hotel and Spa and 23 Point/Promontory Villas. The applicant is also proposing to develop 75 staff housing units to accommodate 150 staff during peak periods.

Architectural drawings to update the former Courtenay Bingo Palace are now 85% complete, and Andrew Sheret Ltd. expects to submit an application for a building permit within the next few weeks. The company plans a seismic upgrade to the existing building, along with a complete renovation. See inside this issue for updates on these projects.

In next week's issue, we will have information about a new subdivision moving ahead along with information about a proposed new commercial and residential project in the Comox Valley.

City of Courtenay Wins Wood Design Award

The extensive use of wood in the renovation of Courtenay City Hall has secured a prestigious BC Wood Design Award.

The Wood Works Awards are made by the BC section of the Canadian Wood Council to honour "excellence in wood-based construction projects, and to recognize the people and organizations that are pioneering and preserving the use of wood."

Comox Valley architect Martin Hagarty designed the new look for City Hall. Hagarty said cedar and fir were used in the renovations to provide contrast in colour, texture and form, both stained with the same product to give a rich finish. The City had specified that it wanted local and sustainable products
used as much as possible in the renovations.

Mar 07, 2012

Building Links 2012, Issue #9

Editor's Note

The tender for Construction Management (CM) Services for the Lewis Centre has been awarded to Knappett Projects. The mechanical upgrade to the existing facility will be done this summer. Tenders for this portion of the project could be issued this spring.

The City of Courtenay has issued a tender, inviting proposals from qualified Engineering Consultants for the provision of an integrated flood mapping and flood management plan for the Courtenay River, Puntledge River, Browns River and Tsolum River channels feeding into the Courtenay River Estuary. See our tender section in this issue for more information.

Solid Waste Management Plan Public Consultation meetings will be held in Cumberland on Tuesday, March 13 from 5-8pm at the Cumberland Senior Centre, 2674 Dunsmuir Avenue in Cumberland and in Comox on Wednesday, March 28th from 4-8pm at the Comox Seniors Centre located at d'Esterre House, 1801 Beaufort Avenue in Comox.