Victoria International Marina receives development permit approval from City

[Lachlan MacLean]

On September 8, the City of Victoria’s Mayor and Council unanimously approved the Development Permit for the two marina buildings that will sit on the site of the Victoria International Marina.

“This is another big step forward for the marina,” said Lachlan MacLean, Vice-President of WAM Development Group. “Once constructed, the Victoria International Marina will provide a new coffee shop, restaurant and overall gathering place for the community where residents and visitors can socialize or relax.”

Whether you are taking scenic stroll along the waterfront, meeting friends for coffee or working remotely, the Victoria International Marina will provide you with a great place to unwind and watch the theatre of harbour activities throughout the day.

“The next step in the approval process for the marina is the Federal Government approval for the navigable waters permit and environmental screening,” explained MacLean. “Given we had already been granted the permit last year when the marina was set to be larger, we are confident that this will happen soon.”

The City of Victoria downzoned the site for the marina late last year, which saw it shrinking by half to the current plans of 29 slips. As a result, the developer had to re-apply to Transport Canada for the navigable waters permit.

One of the objectives of the City of Victoria’s Official Community Plan is “to encourage the development of docks and moorage for a wide variety of ships and boats; to develop marine services which will encourage fishing fleets to select Victoria as their home port; and, to encourage marine industries to locate in the harbour.”

In addition to meeting this objective, the marina will benefit the community in several ways, including: providing more marina slips, creating a stronger and more diverse local economy, creating new jobs, and increasing tourism.

“With this permit in place, along with the Provincial Crown Lease and First Nations agreement we hope to begin construction on the buildings in July 2012,” said MacLean.