Your Weekly North Vancouver Island Construction News
In this week’s Building Links:
- Tofino: proposed 24 single-family lots with suites and a 55-unit rental building
- Cumberland: approved seven-lot single-family strata
- Comox: seeking local architectural firms for new fire hall
Tofino: proposed 24 single-family lots with suites and a 55-unit rental building
The application for rezoning a portion of a 27 acre site on Hwy 4, 1 km from downtown, is moving forward with a public hearing held earlier this week. As proposed, the applicant intends to develop 24-single family lots with suites and a four-storey 55-unit rental building. The development aims to address Tofino’s housing challenges by offering a mix of rental and ownership opportunities, catering to various community needs. The application has evolved several times as water consumption and other servicing concerns have reduced the scope of the project. The initial proposal in 2016 included 374 units of mixed residential development with a 48 unit motel, the second proposal included 178 units within three apartment buildings and a 48 unit motel, and the third included 226 units within two four-storey buildings and 126 single family lots.
Cumberland: approved seven-lot single-family strata
The Village has approved an application to subdivide 4703 Cumberland Road into seven bare-land strata lots for single-family homes. The applicant has completed all requirements of the subdivision application. Building permit applications are required for the future single-family dwellings on the individual lots. Construction is expected to commence soon, and the developer plans to build six two-storey homes and the existing home will be saved. Occupancy is expected in early 2026. No pricing is available at this time.
Comox: seeking local architectural firms for new fire hall
The Town of Comox is moving forward with plans to upgrade its fire hall to align with modern emergency service standards. Built in 1977, the original hall was designed for a smaller crew – today, Comox Fire Rescue responds to more than 900 calls annually. The planned upgrade will increase the building’s size from 4,200 to 10,000 square feet across three levels. It will feature more offices, improved facilities for overnight shifts, and expanded meeting and emergency operations spaces. Modern upgrades will also improve accessibility, electrical systems, and the building’s capacity to operate during disasters. The project is estimated to cost $6 million, with the Town of Comox covering two-thirds and the Comox Fire Protection District funding the remaining third. The project is in the design and financial planning stage, with construction expected to begin in April 2026 and finish by January 2027. Comox Fire Rescue is inviting proposals from qualified local architectural firms for the two-phased project. The project includes demolishing the current wing and constructing a new three-story facility while preserving existing truck bays and training tower, with all work to be completed in coordination with ongoing firehall operations. The tender was posted for public access on April 29, with closing May 12.
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!
