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Wesbild has recently submitted our nalized plans to redevelop University Heights Shopping Centre to the District of Saanich.
Wesbild’s redevelopment proposal for the University Heights Shopping Centre envisions to deliver to the District of Saanich: a wide variety of new rental housing alternatives, an anchor grocery store, a range of service-oriented retail, both fast and smart casual dining options, medical professional and health services, a daycare, publicly accessible greenspace, and improved circulation.
U N I V E R S I T Y H E I G H T SR E D E V E LO PM E N T C O N C E P T
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
THE SHELBOURNE VALLEY ACTION PLAN
OUR UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS PROPOSAL
Support mixed use development near the core of each Centre and Village.
The site is located at the core of the University Centre, which is designated as a major centre.
For properties designated as mixed-use/commercial to strongly encourage retail or other pedestrian oriented commercial use on the main �oor.
Will include the revitalization of University Heights’ commercial core and includes a number of retail essentials, including a grocery store, pharmacy, and restaurants.
Encourage residential above the rst �oor in all properties designated for mixed-use/commercial.
All rental homes will be above the ground �oor commercial to accommodate the growing need of local residents and students.
Promote a range of housing types, forms and tenures to support a diverse, inclusive and multigenerational community.
Rental homes will range from micro-suites to 3 bedroom homes with 10% (62) of all homes proposed at a�ordable rates. * Above map taken from the District of Saanich’s
Shelbourne Valley Action Plan, dated May 2017
SHELBOURNE VALLEY ACTION PLAN
HOME DEPOT
University Heights is located at 3980 Shelbourne Street, which is within the District of Saanich’s Shelbourne Valley Action Plan (2017).
REDEVELOPMENT SITE EXISTING HOME DEPOT
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
THE PROPOSAL
CEDAR HILL ROAD
MCK
ENZIE AV
ENU
E
SHELBOURNE STREET
HOME DEPOT
TO REMAIN
GAS STATION
TO REMAIN
A
B1
B2 C
D
SECURED RENTAL HOUSING• 618 Total Rental Residential Homes,
including 62 affordable rental homes • 181 micro homes• 111 studio homes• 227 one bedroom homes• 89 two bedroom homes• 10 three bedroom homes
VEHICLE PARKING• 396 Total Residential Parking Stalls
• 0.64 per residential home• 726 Total Commercial Parking Stalls
• 3.7 per 1000 sq.ft.
COMMERCIAL• 196,821 sq.ft. Total Commercial Floor Area
• New Commercial: 112,662 sq.ft.• Existing Home Depot: 84,159 sq.ft.
BIKE PARKING• 697 Secured Bike Parking
• 621 Residential• 58 Commercial
• 70 At Grade Bike Parking• 30 Residential• 40 Commercial
A
B1
B2
C
D
140 Residential Rental Homes16,234 sq.ft. Commercial Floor Area
134 Residential Rental Homes57,482 sq.ft. Commercial Floor Area (B1 & B2)
119 Residential Rental Homes57,482 sq.ft. Commercial Floor Area (B1 & B2)
135 Residential Rental Homes17,522 sq.ft. Commercial Floor Area
N
*Artistic rendering. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
90 Residential Rental Homes21,422 sq.ft. Commercial Floor Area
STORAGE LOCKERS• 329 Secured Residential Storage Lockers
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
WHERE WE’VE COME FROM, AND WHERE WE’RE GOING
SUBMISSIONSPUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS
WE ARE HERE
2 0 1 7 2 0 1 8 2 0 1 9 2 0 2 0 2 0 2 1 2 0 2 42 0 2 32 0 2 2
RESUBMISSION #1JUNE 2018
ADVISORY DESIGN PANEL
JULY 2018
PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING #1
JULY 2018
RESUBMISSION #2AUGUST 2018
PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING #2
SEPTEMBER 2018
RESUBMISSION #3OCTOBER 2018
COMMUNITY GROUP & NEIGHBOURHOOD CONSULTATIONS
NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2018
INITIAL APPLICATION
NOVEMBER 2017COMMUNITY GROUP & NEIGHBOURHOOD CONSULTATIONS
EARLY 2019
RESUBMISSION #4OCTOBER 2019
PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING #3
DECEMBER 2019
INTRODUCTION TO COUNCIL
SUMMER 2020
PUBLIC HEARINGFALL 2020
ADOPTIONWINTER 2020
CONSTRUCTION STARTS
SPRING 2021RETAIL SHOPS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
SPRING 2024
RESIDENTS MOVE INWINTER 2024
CONTINUES TO 2024
RE-ENVISIONING PROCESS
MARCH 2019
COMMUNITY GROUP & NEIGHBOURHOOD CONSULTATIONS
NOVEMBER 2019
CONTINUED TO WORK WITH STAFF AND COMMUNITY ON REDESIGN
NOVEMBER 2018
MEETINGS WITH DISTRICT OF SAANICH
SPRING AND SUMMER 2019
SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
RESUBMISSION #5MAY 2020
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION PROCESS
88Comment sheets received fromour three Open Houses
COMMENT SHEETS COLLECTED AT OUR PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES AND ACCEPTED ONLINE HELPED US SHAPE OUR PLAN.
499Neighbours attended at least one of our Open Houses
THREE PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES WERE HELD IN JULY 2018, SEPTEMBER 2018 AND DECEMBER 2019.
330Registered on our website for more information
A COPY OF OUR PRESENTATION WAS EMAILED TO OUR REGISTRANTS AFTER EACH OPEN HOUSE.
5Meetings with local Community Associations
PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 5 MEETINGS WITH OTHER LOCAL GROUPS INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT OUR PLAN.
20,000+Notices sent to our neighbours with our Open House information
THE NOTICES GAVE THOSE WHO WERE UNABLE TO ATTEND IN PERSON AN OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW AND PROVIDE FEEDBACK ONLINE.
12Community members we have met with individually
WE ARE AVAILABLE TO MEET WITH MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY INDIVIDUALLY TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSAL.
Over the past three years, the community has been engaged in the planning process through public open houses and individual meetings. Our application has evolved through input from our neighbours, community associations, anchor tenants and local stakeholder groups
ADVERTISEMENTS INVITING FEEDBACK WERE ALSO PLACED IN THE VICTORIA TIMES COLONIST, TC EXTRA, SAANICH NEWS, AND ON SOCIAL MEDIA.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
OUR NEIGHBOURS SPOKE, WE LISTENED
This revised proposal has been informed by community and stakeholder feedback collected over the last three years, including three community Open Houses and multiple meetings with neighbours and community stakeholders.
AFTER WE HEARD YOU NEEDED MORE CHILDCARE SPACES
We added a larger daycare centre
• INCREASED THE SQUARE FOOTAGE OF THE DAYCARE TO APPROXIMATELY 11,000 SQ.FT. INCLUDING AN OUTDOOR PLAY AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 4,000 SQ.FT.
We improved our a� ordablehousing package
TO ENSURE THAT SAANICH RESIDENTS CAN BETTER AFFORD TO REMAIN IN SAANICH
• 100% RENTAL HOUSING• MICRO SUITES PROVIDE AN INCREASED
LEVEL OF AFFORDABILITY• ADDED ADDITIONAL 10 AFFORDABLE UNITS• 62 HOMES (10%) PROPOSED TO MEET
30% OF THE MEDIAN TOTAL INCOME OF FAMILIES WITHIN THE SAANICH REGION, AS PER CMHC DEFINITION OF AFFORDABLE
WESBILD IS FURTHER PROPOSING TO CONTRIBUTE $500,000 TO THE DISTRICT OF SAANICH TOWARDS A LOCAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUND.
We improved the publicgathering space
TO ENSURE THE NEW UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS FOSTERS A SENSE OF COMMUNITY
• PUBLIC PLAZA HAS BEEN REDESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE COMMUNITY GATHERINGS SUCH AS FARMERS MARKETS, FOOD TRUCK FESTIVALS, AND PERFORMING ART DISPLAYS
• THE STAIRS LEADING TO THE PODIUM LEVEL DESIGNED TO SERVE AS AMPHITHEATRE STYLE SEATING
• PROPOSING AN ART WALK ALONG CEDAR HILL ROAD
• PEDESTRIAN BREEZEWAY ALONG MCKENZIE AVENUE
We reduced the building height on Cedar Hill Road
TO REDUCE BUILDING IMPACT ON NEIGHBOURING RESIDENTIAL HOMES
• INTRODUCED A MORE CONSISTENT 6-STOREY BUILDING TYPOLOGY ALONGCEDAR HILL ROAD, WHICH IS LESS THAN THE 8-STOREYS ALLOWED IN THE SHELBOURNE VALLEY ACTION PLAN
We made transportation improvements
AFTER HEARING CONCERNS ABOUT THE TRAFFIC IMPACT TO OUR NEIGHBOURS
• MAINTAINED LARGER BUS BAYS• ENHANCED CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE• REDUCED COMMERCIAL DENSITY
BY APPROXIMATELY 43,000 SQ.FT., THEREFORE REDUCING THE NUMBER OF TWO-WAY VEHICLE TRIPS BY 130 PER PM PEAK HOUR
• INCREASED PARKING RATIOS FOR BOTH COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL
We madeimprovementsimprovements
We added a public park
TO ADD ADDITIONAL PUBLIC GREEN SPACE TO THE COMMUNITY
• PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE GREEN SPACE• CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA• DOG PARK
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
AMENITIES
CEDAR HILL ROAD
SHELBOURNE STREET
McK
ENZ
IE A
VEN
UE
GAS STATIONTO REMAIN
HOME DEPOTTO REMAIN
A
B1
B2
C
D
• Building A: resident only co-working space with large outdoor patio
• Building B: resident only amenity centre comprised of: tness room; multi- purpose area, including study and social rooms; common kitchen
• Resident only outdoor amenity area comprised of:• Patio dining• Barbeque area • Lounge area
• Building D: resident only co-working space with large outdoor patio
• Public open green space for active and passive play
• Public children’s play area/playground structures
• Public Art Walk
• Public Dog Park
• Public Community Plaza
• Memorial Avenue Committee WWI Memorial Plaque
• Daycare
• Transit Hub & Pedestrian Breezeway
PROPOSED AMENITIES
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
7
OTHER PROPOSED AMENITIES
• Dog wash/car wash/bike wash area in parkade for residents
• Bike repair stations/storage on site
• EV charging for car, bike, and scooter on site
• Car share (modo)
• Dedicated bike lanes along all frontages
• End of trip facilities, including showers, storage and lockers
9
2
3
1
4
5
6
7
8
9
HOME DEPOT TO REMAIN
10
10
11
11
N
12
12
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
ENVISIONED RETAIL MIX
POTENTIAL STORES & SERVICES
• Save-On-Foods• Shoppers Drug Mart• Thrifty Foods Liquor• Cactus Club• Earls• Joeys• Browns Restaurant
Group• White Spot• Boston Pizza• Tap & Barrel• The Canadian Brew
House• The Donnelly Group
• Bank of Montreal • Scotia Bank• TD Canada Trust• Coast Capital Savings• Coastal Community
Credit Group• Vancity• CEFA Early Learning• Kids & Company• Willowbrae Child Care• Brightpath Child Care• Starbucks• Pet Valu• Orange Theory Fitness
POTENTIAL LOCAL STORES & SERVICES
• Discovery Coff ee• Habit Coff ee• Patisserie Daniel• Crust Bakery• Fol Epi Organic Bread &
Pastry• La Taquisa
• The Local Bar Restaurant• Be Love Vegan
Restaurant• Bin 4 Burger Lounge• Oak Bay Bicycles• Russ Hay’s The Bicycle
Shop
HOME DEPOTTO REMAIN
GAS STATIONTO REMAIN
CEDAR HILL ROAD
SHELBOURNE STREET
McK
ENZ
IE A
VEN
UE
N
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
COMMUNITY AMENITY CONTRIBUTIONS
Wesbild is proposing the following Community Amenities for the redevelopment of University Heights:
• 100% RENTAL All 618 residential homes will be secured as rental for the lifespan of the building.
• AFFORDABLE RENTAL Added an additional 10 units from the previous proposal. 10%, or 62 homes, proposed as part of the redevelopment will meet CMHC’s definition of “affordable” whereby rents of those homes will not exceed 30% of the median income for families within the Saanich region as defined by the CMHC. The proposed mix of homes will be proportional to the overall mix throughout the redevelopment.
• AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUND Wesbild is proposing to make a $500,000 financial contribution to the District of Saanich to support an affordable housing fund.
• MICRO HOMES A creative way to achieve affordability through home size and innovation. With liveable homes under 315 square feet, these thoughtfully designed homes will be more accessible at lower rental rates.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING STRATEGY
• Aiming to provide one CARSHARE vehicle for use within the community.
• 20 EV CHARGING STALLS to be provided onsite.
• E-BIKE CHARGING station, repair stations and end of trip facilities for cyclists.
• CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER construction.
SUSTAINABILITY
• Integrated public open space including A PUBLIC PLAZA AND LANDSCAPED COURTYARD with children’s play structures for active play.
• PEDESTRIAN FOCUSED CORRIDOR that connects Shelbourne Street with Cedar Hill Road.
• An “ART WALK” is proposed along the Cedar Hill Road elevation that will provide opportunities for dynamic and vibrant curated installations.
PUBLIC & OPEN SPACES
• Contribution to a District of Saanich-led study to improve safety and visibility of the crosswalk on CEDAR HILL ROAD at the junction of Arrow Road.
• Contribution towards the memorial LONDON PLANE TREE FUND along Shelbourne Street.
• Supporting Ray Travers and the Memorial Avenue Committee’s project by INSTALLING A MEMORIAL PLACARD along the Shelbourne Street frontage.
• DEDICATED BIKE LANES along Shelbourne Street, McKenzie Avenue, and Cedar Hill Road.
• Transportation infrastructure including a transit hub consisting of THREE-BAY BUS PULLOUT along McKenzie Avenue complete with two new bus shelters.
• PEDESTRIAN BREEZEWAY connecting transit users to University Heights.
INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES
• Total economic impact of the University Heights redevelopment is approximately $410 MILLION.
• Significant increased annual PROPERTY TAXES for the District of Saanich, totalling an estimated $2 MILLION annually.
• An estimated $700,000 CONTRIBUTION in Development Cost Charge for future City infrastructure programs.
• The project will create an estimated 309 JOBS through construction, and 209 PERMANENT JOBS.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
PROPOSED TRANSPORTATION PLAN
S I T E AC C E S SSITE ACCESS on Cedar Hill Road has been REDUCED by approximately 94% from the previous development plan. The current plan results in a right-in only entry at the Cedar Hill South Access with access to just pick-up/drop-off spaces at the Cedar Hill North Access.
PA R K I N G1,122 residential & commercial PARKING SPACES (approximately 0.64 SPACES PER UNIT). Lower than bylaw resident vehicle parking supply is an important strategy to help the District reach its active transportation goals.
P E D E S T R I A NImproved public realm around development edges. Mid-block east/west pedestrian route through the site. ENHANCED and ACCESSIBLEpedestrian circulation throughout the site, including stairs, ramps and elevators.
B I K E SNEW ENHANCED BIKE LANESon all street frontages. Bike repair stations and E-Bike charging stations located on site. Multiple BIKE RACKSlocated around the site for visitors; SECURE BIKE STORAGE rooms for residents and employees.
T R A F F I CSite will experience VEHICLE TRIP RATE REDUCTION, due to mixed-use advantages. Vehicle trips generated during the Weekday and Saturday peak hour periods are anticipated to be similar to existing levels due to a decrease in overall commercial area, dispersed travel patterns and increased internal trips within the site due to more diverse land uses and increased pedestrian, cycling and transit accessibility.
T R A N S I TMcKenzie Avenue to have a DEDICATED BUS BAY with suffi cient space to accommodate 3 BUSES AND 2 BUS SHELTERS.
ROUTES: Shelbourne: #27, #28, #34McKenzie: #16, #26, #51Cedar Hill: #12, #24
C A R S H A R EA CAR SHARE is proposed.
S E RV I C E T R U C K SLOADING AND SERVICE TRUCK ACCESS has been thoughtfully designed into the site vehicle circulation plan.
P
The proposal includes signifi cant improvements to the area’s pedestrian, cycling and transit networks. The mixed-use plan leads to shorter average trips and more multi-purpose trips.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
PROPOSED TRANSPORTATION PLAN
BIKE LANE UPGRADES
ROAD UNDER PODIUM LEVEL
PUBLIC PARKADE
IMPROVED BUS STOPS
VEHICLE TRAFFIC
PEDESTRIAN CONNECTION
FUTURE BIKE CONNECTION
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS PEDESTRIAN CONNECTOR
ACCESS TO COMMERCIALBIKE PARTKING
IN ONLYRESIDENTIAL
DROP OFF/PICK UP ONLY IN / OUT
CEDAR HILL ROAD
SHELBOURNE STREET
McK
ENZ
IE A
VEN
UE
IN / OUTIN / OUT
IN /
OU
T
HOME DEPOTTO REMAIN
GAS STATIONTO REMAIN
AR
RO
W R
OA
D
MC
KEN
ZIE
BUS
ROU
TES:
#16
, #26
, #51
SHELBOURNE BUS ROUTES: #27, #28, #34
CEDAR HILL BUS ROUTES: #12, #24
PUBLIC PARKADE ACCESS
ROAD UNDER PODIUM LEVEL
VEHICLE TRAFFIC BIKE LANE UPGRADES
FUTURE BIKE CONNECTION
IMPROVED BUS STOPS
PEDESTRIAN CONNECTION
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS PEDESTRIAN CONNECTOR
DEDICATED BIKE ACCESS TO PARKADE
N
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
2018 PROPOSAL 2019 PROPOSAL FINAL PROPOSAL
TOTAL DENSITY 543,571 sq.ft. 491,836 sq.ft. 491,070 sq.ft.
RESIDENTIAL UNITS 367 528 618
AFFORDABLE UNITS 10 53 62
COMMERCIAL AREA 298,604 sq.ft. 249,563 sq.ft. 204,613 sq.ft.
RESIDENTIAL PARKING 188 (0.5 per unit) 272 (0.5 per unit) 396 (0.64 per unit)
COMMERCIAL PARKING 979 (3.3 per 1,000 sq.ft.) 709 (3 per 1,000 sq.ft.) 726 (3.7 per 1,000 sq.ft.)
AMENITY AREA 2,000 sq.ft. 2,770 sq.ft. 3,907 sq.ft.
REVISED PROPOSAL SUMMARY
Through our Community Consultation in December and consultations with our tenants, we have made the nal revisions to our University Heights Redevelopment Plan. We anticipate this plan will go to Council for introduction early this summer.
• Increased residential units, as encouraged in the SVAP
• Increased the number of A�ordable Units to 62 (10%)
• Added a 2nd level parkade to provide an additional 141 parking stalls for residential use
• Decreased commercial density which decreased Cedar Hill tra¯c volume
• Consolidated buildings along Shelbourne Street, shifting density from two 3-storey commercial buildings to one 6-storey mixed-use building to respect Home Depot’s operational requirements
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
AERIAL VIEW
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
CEDAR HILL ROAD
MCK
ENZIE AV
ENU
E
SHELBOURNE STREET
HOME DEPOT
TO REMAIN
GAS STATION
TO REMAIN
N
An aerial view of University Heights from high above the intersection of Shelbourne Street and McKenzie Avenue.
One can see the existing gas station in the foreground as well as Home Depot in the distance, both of which do not form part of the University Heights redevelopment.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
SHELBOURNE STREET
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
Looking at University Heights from across Shelbourne Street, near the new CIBC, one can see the new building along Shelbourne Street now consists of a more urban design vocabulary that will act as a landmark building in the District of Saanich and serve as a gateway to University Heights.
The consolidation of the two previously proposed commercial buildings into this single mixed-use building is more consistent with that which was envisioned within the Shelbourne Valley Action Plan.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
SHELBOURNE STREET
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
Moving north along Shelbourne Street, views of University Heights now reveal the pedestrian gateway into the site by way of an accessible landscaped stair and ramp beneath the dramatically cantilevered building providing both an architectural statement aesthetically, as well as the functionality of weather protection.
A strong horizontal design element defines the commercial second floor which will be home to a daycare and office-oriented users such as medical professionals. The upper podium realm will be landscaped with trees adding a vertical element to the landscape design, while enhancing the urban tree canopy to help achieve the District’s Climate Action Plan. Adjacent the pedestrian gateway is the Shelbourne access driveway, maintained and upgraded in its current location, providing vehicle access to both the High Street retail level as well as to the underground parkade.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS PEDESTRIAN CONNECTOR
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
A close-up view of the Shelbourne Stair, serving as the pedestrian gateway to University Heights, will safely and creatively animate pedestrian’s connectivity throughout the new centre.
Some of the key design features of the landscaped Shelbourne Stair will include: dramatic wooden-clad beams which will celebrate University Heights introducing mass timber development to the District of Saanich; separated stairs, ramps, and walkways providing safe access; access to a public elevator to provide an additional level of accessibility; a commemorative World War I plaque in collaboration with the Memorial Avenue Committee.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
INTERNAL HIGH STREET
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
An internal site view of University Heights looking south from Home Depot along High Street gives one the look and feel of the internal landscaped streetscape showcasing the ground floor retail with residential above. The redesigned at-grade access from Shelbourne, viewed here coming into the site on the left, enhances vehicular circulation for both Home Depot and the new retailers, as well as provides opportunities for additional public gathering space at University Heights where special community events could be hosted.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
INTERNAL HIGH STREET
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
An aerial view positioned above Home Depot looking south down High Street. From this elevated position one can see the second level daycare and its outdoor play area in the newly designed Shelbourne building.
The Shelbourne building from this angle also reveals the weather protected public plaza being covered by the cantilevered architecture where one might envision café and restaurant patios. Further, this angle also reveals the podium vegetation that adds a vertical element to the landscape design above street level, while also enhancing the urban tree canopy to help the District achieve its Climate Action Plan.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
INTERNAL HIGH STREET SET UP FOR COMMUNITY EVENT
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
An aerial view positioned above Home Depot looking south down High Street. Maintaining the Shelbourne driveway access allows for the ability to close off High Street and significantly increase the amount of public gathering space at the centre where special community events could be hosted without compromising pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicle circulation throughout University Heights.
Special community events might include extended retailer sidewalk sales, farmers markets, food truck festivals, car shows, art displays, outdoor concert series, charity fundraisers, family day functions, and other pop-up events. The University Heights team looks forward to working with the neighbourhood, future retailers and community organizations to deliver a hub to host exciting local, community, and regional events.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
MCKENZIE AVENUE
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
Viewing University Heights from McKenzie Avenue looking northwest, one can see the McKenzie access driveway just beyond the gas station that will function similarly to present day, as well as the new McKenzie Avenue transit hub in the distance. The new transit hub design will provide 3 full bus bays and 2 bus shelters located mid-block. The bus bay design of University Heights has provided for a mid block entrance directly into the site through a covered breezeway that will provide additional shelter to transit users, shown here to have a decorative red canopy.
A retail streetscape fronting McKenzie will activate and animate University Heights’ interaction with the public realm. On-street bike parking will be placed throughout the site and ensure there is ample above ground and below ground bike parking for residents, employees, and shoppers.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
CEDAR HILL ROAD AND MCKENZIE AVENUE
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
Viewing the southwest corner of University Heights from the intersection of McKenzie and Cedar Hill looking northeast showcases landscape design elements both at grade as well as the upper storeys surrounding the redevelopment that help to enhance the public realm, contribute to the District of Saanich’s urban canopy, and enhance the quality of life to both residents and neighbours. Also showcased, new protected bike lanes and sidewalks, along all University Heights frontages, that will help ensure safe travel for those coming to the centre or commuting throughout the region.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
CEDAR HILL ROAD
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
Moving north along Cedar Hill looking east into University Heights, one can see through the site past the Cedar Hill driveway to the retail High Street beyond. Parkade access is to the immediate left once onsite. By moving this vehicle driveway access south along Cedar Hill near McKenzie, traffic along Cedar Hill has been minimized. Also visible in this rendering is the Art Walk proposed along the Cedar Hill sidewalk adjacent University Heights. The Art Walk will animate the redevelopment’s Cedar Hill elevation, transforming it into a series of interactive dynamic and individually curated sidewalk art galleries with seating areas for residents and neighbours to interact. It is important to note that the artwork depicted on these renderings are only conceptual and do not in any way present a final design.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
CEDAR HILL ROAD
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
Viewed from Cedar Hill closer to the intersection of Arrow Road, looking back towards McKenzie an alternate view of the Art Walk is revealed as is the podium access. The podium access defines the mid-block public connection that runs east-west from Cedar Hill to Shelbourne through University Heights by way of a safe and fully accessible pedestrian corridor. The design is such that along the way are publicly accessible kids play structures, green open space, and a fenced dog park. Vehicular access at this location is limited to the podium for resident pick-up and drop-off, as well as move-in and move-out activity.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
PUBLIC COURTYARD AND PARK
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
A southern aerial view overlooking the landscaped public courtyard along the east-west pedestrian connection from Cedar Hill through University Heights to Shelbourne showcasing the kids play structure, green open space, and dog park. The design of the courtyard is vehicle tolerant, not dominant, as the paver stone shared spaces allow for vehicle circulation to facilitate pick-up and drop-off activity, at the same ensuring traffic is calmed to respect the pedestrian realm.
Notable design elements include: A unique “bird nest” style playground that will create a unique play experience for children adjacent open green space for both active and passive play; a fenced-in off-leash dog park for both residential tenants and the public; a 2-storey fully programmed resident amenity building, located between the two residential buildings.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
THANK YOU
A HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE... Since 1981, Wesbild has been creating livable, environmentally responsible homes, neighbourhoods, and community gathering places. A privately held real estate development company, Wesbild specializes in master-planned communities, shopping centres, industrial and golf courses. Each Wesbild project has one thing in common: it is an inviting, thoughtfully designed place that brings people together.
OUR DESIGN TEAM INCLUDES:
Wesbild would like to thank our neighbours and residents of the District of Saanich for your comments and support through our consultation process. Your feedback helped shape the future of University Heights, and led us to this fi nal concept.
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