Current Picture
Proposed Design
Project Name: Not available
Developer: GMC Projects
Address: 900 Carlton Place and 900 Esquimalt Road, West Bay, Esquimalt
Description:
On April 8 2024, in a 5 to 2 vote, Esquimalt Council approved GMC’s proposal for a 26 storey building for the corner of Carlton Terrace, Esquimalt Road and Head Street. Mayor Desjardin, Councillors Armour, Helliwell, Rotchford, Morrison approved and Councillors Boardman and Cavens opposed.
The OCP land use designation for the lots is Commercial Commercial Mixed Use which has allowed up to 12 storeys and has a floor area ratio (FAR) of 3.0. The two-building, 272 mixed unit project is 26 storeys high and has a FAR of 4.7. The zoning is C2 which allows up to 13 meters, while the project is 84 meters.
Following approval, the following motion was unanimously approved by Council in order to correct the error in the OCP that allowed the GMC project to proceed: “That Council direct staff to prepare a report that outlines the implications of amending the OCP to apply an interim limit of 12 storeys to the residential portion of the Commercial/Commercial Mixed-Use designation until there is an OCP review conducted in 2025.”
The project will provide a mix of 176 condo units in the tower portion, 96 rental units and 7858 sq ft of commercial space.
Amenities provided by the developer to the Township include:
- $1,000,000 contribution to affordable housing which includes $100,000 to the Esquimalt First Nation and $100,000 to the Songhees First Nation. This money would also be used to cover the rental difference for existing tenants who wish to move back into the building at a 20% rent reduction rate.
- Public plazas along Esq Rd; Public accessible dog park near the rear of the building; Commercial vehicle charging; Enhanced sidewalk amenities; and, Enhanced bus stop amenities.