Your Weekly North Vancouver Island Construction News

March 8, 2023

In this Week’s Issue of Building Links

• Comox: New office buildings for 19 Wing Comox. 
• Mount Washington: Alternate construction sites required for Fire Hall.
• Powell River: 180 single family project proposed.

Comox: New office buildings for 19 Wing Comox.  

Defence Construction Canada has issued an advanced procurement notice for Architectural and Engineering services for the design of two new office buildings for 19 Wing personnel. The advance notice allows interested consultants an opportunity to begin the sponsorship request process for the required security clearances. There is no guarantee that this contract will proceed or that any security clearance(s) will be granted under the sponsorship process in a timely fashion or otherwise. This notice closes April 17. If the project proceeds, Design services will include, but not be limited to, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and civil services. The buildings will have individual, collaborative and support spaces including workstations, meeting rooms, offices, equipment area, lockers, kitchenette, and lounge. The approximate value of the contract is $750,000.

Mount Washington: Alternate construction sites required for Fire Hall.

The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) has allocated $300,000 of Puntledge – Black Creek (Electoral Area C), Community Works Funds to the Mount Washington Fire Protection Service to support the construction of the Mount Washington fire hall. The Fire Services Building received elector assent through an Alternative Approval Process in April 2022. Construction, however, has been delayed due to geo-technical difficulties with the original site. The CVRD is now working with a realtor to identify alternate sites. Staff will report back to the board on options at a later date. There is no expectation of significant cost changes as a result of the site problems, although staff have developed a smaller building design as a contingency. Design and cost estimates for the construction of a fire hall along with the purchase of equipment and project management costs is estimated to be $2.5 million. The Comox Valley Regional District can borrow up to $1,425,000 to finance costs of constructing and equipping the fire hall. The building is proposed to be between 1,200 to 1,500 sq.ft. with space for a fire engine, a side-by-side off-road vehicle, washroom, shower, and small office.

Powell River: 180 single family project proposed.

The qathet Regional District (qRD) has passed a motion to receive a Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendment for up to 180 dwelling units at 7406 and 7440 Nootka Street. The combined properties total 15.8 hectares. Before the applications will be accepted, the applicant must complete a Services Capacity Analysis to determine viable water and sewer servicing; a Traffic Impact Study; and to host a public information meeting once the studies are complete. As proposed, the project would include rezoning from Commercial Recreation and Manufactured Home Park to Multi-Family Residential, for 12 units per hectare from one unit, plus an additional 162 single family homes ranging in size from 1,334 to 1,572 sq.ft. Community amenities, trail systems and green space are also part of the proposal, including preserving the Yaroshuk Trail as a pedestrian trail. The applicant is considering a range of options for water and sewer, including private on-site wells, small water supply systems and larger community supply systems. The site currently contains ten existing single-family homes with another five under construction, ranging from 1200 to 1900 sq.ft. The project was initially proposed in 2018 to include up to 225 units with townhomes and single family.

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