Synopsis:

A proposal to convert a former warehouse in the Rock Bay district of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, is moving forward after planning and land-use committee recommended the proposal go to public hearing. The plan calls for a rezoning to turn the former warehouse last used as a kayak retail and rental outlet into a ground-floor commercial building with 25 one-bedroom and studio apartments on the top two floors. The apartments would be owned and managed by the Greater Victoria Housing Society and rented to low-income singles most likely working in low-wage or entry-level jobs. “The rezoning covers both 555 Pembroke, recently renovated for office use, and 575 Pembroke for the commercial/apartment development. Allowable ground-floor uses would include offices, bakeries, financial institutions, retail sales, call centres, drycleaners, restaurants, high tech and artisan trades. The same zoning would apply to 555 Pembroke but residential use will not be allowed.” The building at 555 Pembroke was built in 1914 as a B.C. Electrical Trolley office and repair shop while 575 Pembroke, built in 1939, has been used as a machine shop, warehouse, light manufacturing and retail space.