Auto showroom approved, but not without debate

Kim Westad, Times Colonist
Published: Wednesday, April 30, 2008

A new automobile showroom got the go-ahead from Saanich council, amid debate whether it is the best use for land in an area that is seen as a "major centre" for the region.
To some, a new Infiniti car dealership in a 1,525 square metre building at the corner of Oak and Short streets is more of the same-old, same-old. But to the majority, even those who had their concerns about some design details, it's a significant investment at a corner that could use redevelopment.
Currently, the three lots at 3371 Oak St., and 829 and 841 Short St. are home to a three-storey office and retail building. Dick Graham wants to replace this building with a 10.5-metre-high contemporary building to house the Infiniti car dealership, with a showroom, office space and service garage.
The area, just south of Town and Country mall, in between Douglas and Blanshard streets, is designated in the regional growth strategy as one of the major centres, with the exception of downtown Victoria, Coun. Vic Derman said.
Such areas are seen as sites for higher-density, mixed-use developments, particularly one so close to the new Uptown centre.
That's the $150-million plus rebuilding of the old Town and Country shopping mall into a retail, office and potentially high-density residential site.
To develop the areas around it compatibly, Saanich needs to take more of a cohesive, long-term approach to the area, Derman said, or risk piecemeal development that doesn't add up to a walkable, complete community.
"If we continue to deal with this area and others that are potential major centres in isolation, we are going to do so much less than that we potentially should. It is shocking and unacceptable."
Saanich resident Ken Whitcroft urged council to have more of a vision for the area, saying it's not going to change into more of a mixed-use centre if the same businesses simply keep being replicated.
But other councillors said they welcomed the business improvement, particularly from a longtime, well-run Saanich business.
"This is really a first class building," said Mayor Frank Leonard. "A lot of people are worried about the economy and he's going ahead with a significant business improvement, with well-paying jobs. It's an important part of our economy to have reinvestment in the site."

Coun. Vicki Sanders didn't like having three vehicle display sites out front of the showroom. The development calls for three raised decorative pavement areas in front of the building. "I welcome the business, but I'd like to see it address the neighbourhood more," Sanders said.

Municipal staff noted that while the decorative pavement bays were understandable given the nature of the business, "it does raise questions as to the appropriateness of placing vehicle displays as part of the landscaping in a pedestrian, transit-oriented mixed use neighbourhood."
Council approved the development, except for Derman, but reduced the three decorative pavement areas to two.
Architect Alan Lowe said the new building will be "state of the art" with a signature glass showroom wall along Oak Street and be constructed of "high class materials."