The current proposal is for 16 Condo units in a 4.5-storey building. Most units are studios or one-bedrooms. This is not family housing. Oeza Developments is seeking special treatment and asking for spot rezoning and exceptions to the Official Community Plan.  

City bylaws for this single lot allow for a duplex. Under the new provincial legislation, the 50 Government St. location could accommodate a four-plex. There is currently a viable two-storey rental four-plex on the site and the most environmentally responsible and economically efficient course of action would be to keep it ‘as is’ or renovate it.

The community would welcome a well-designed and appropriately sized building at 50 Government Street, one that provides a mix of affordable housing for families and individuals. But it needs to be aligned with the current city or proposed Provincial zoning, and be respectful of the character of the neighbourhood. There are many alternative designs that would be acceptable to the community, increase density and fit within existing zoning. We need to communicate and collaborate so that at 50 Government we get it right…  

50 Government is not the right location for a 4.5-storey building with 16 units, small setbacks and minimal green space.

The developer has put forward three different plans; each iteration shows some changes but none reflect what the neighbourhood and the City need in this location. Building dimensions and density exceed the requirements set out in both the provincial small-scale multi-unit housing policy manual and also those of Victoria’s Missing Middle Housing initiative.