Your Weekly North Vancouver Island Construction News
This Week’s Editor’s Note:
- Tofino: building permit submitted for Biosphere Centre
- Port Alberni: two proposed five-storey projects are for sale
- Campbell River: BC Housing replacing 48 townhomes with 264 units
Tofino: building permit submitted for Biosphere Centre
Construction documentation is in its final stage with Class A documents expected to be completed by the end of March. A building permit application has been submitted and is awaiting approval. Naikoon Contracting has been appointed as the pre-construction manager for the project. Pending final funding approval, construction is anticipated to begin in 2025. As of this update, the applicant noted that proposed tariffs may impact the development. Once completed, this landmark 3-storey, 10,464 sq. ft. facility will serve as a key gathering place for coastal communities, including Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, Ahousaht, Hesquiaht First Nation, Ucluelet First Nation, and Toquaht Nation. To support local involvement, a trade fair was held in early February to engage with contractors and tradespeople.
Port Alberni: two proposed five-storey projects are for sale
Two proposed five-storey projects are for sale in Port Alberni. A building permit is under review for one of the projects with 68 units atop ground-floor commercial spaces at 5130 Argyle Street. Notably, 10% of the residential units (seven studios) are designated as below-market rentals, secured at affordable rates for a decade. The property is currently listed for sale at $2,250,000 presenting an opportunity for investors or developers to proceed with construction. The second project is a a five-storey, 25-unit multi-residential development at 3045, 3053, and 3063 Kingsway Avenue in the uptown commercial area of South Port. In spring 2024, a zoning amendment was adopted and the three lots have since been consolidated into a single property. The current owner has opted to list the 0.28 acre site, including the draft design plans for $749,000.
Campbell River: BC Housing replacing 48 townhomes with 264 units
BC Housing is seeking Prime Consultant and Architectural Services including sub-consultants’ services to design family-oriented affordable housing to replace 4`8 existing Rent-Geared-to-Income townhomes and create approximately 215 net new housing units (264 units total), with a high concentration of 3- and 4-bedroom units. The project is a redevelopment opportunity that needs to be carefully phased to take into consideration existing tenants. The Prime Consultant and Architectural Services will be carried out in phases contingent upon funding approval. The contract will be executed for the first four phases, advancing the project to the completion of the Building Permit submission, municipal review, and issuance phase. If funding is approved for subsequent phases, the scope and pricing for the next phases will be incorporated into the contract through an amending agreement. This opportunity closes April 7; see the tender section for more details.
Building Links Construction Reports and Statistics: The weekly #1 construction projects resource for 30 years. New and updated projects, permits, tenders, and industry connections for Vancouver Island – Central North, West Coast and Powell River. Helping you build connections so you can build communities! Where are you getting your information from? Support local trades – Subscribe Now!
