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Cordova Bay Plaza redevelopment in Saanich nearing completion

Four years after project’s approval, finish line near for residential/commercial project
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Artist’s rendering of Cordova Bay Plaza, a redevelopment approved by Saanich council in January 2018. (Image courtesy Alan Lowe Architect)

It’s been nearly four years since the Cordova Bay Plaza redevelopment proposal was approved – and as 2022 kicks off it is quickly approaching completion.

Saanich council approved plans for the mixed residential-commercial development in January 2018. It consists of three four-storey buildings with commercial space on the ground floor of each and 91 condominiums.

Designing architect Alan Lowe said the two buildings fronting Cordova Bay Road are nearly completed.

“We’re hoping to receive an occupancy permit for those two buildings sometime this month, and hoping for move-in dates as early as the first of February,” he said.

With pre-sales happening during the early stages, Lowe said some future residents have been waiting over three years to move in. “At the end of the day the purchasers can decide to rent out their spaces, too, but I think it will mostly be owner-occupied.”

The third building, located at the rear of the site on Doumac Avenue, will be ready for occupancy approximately six months from now.

“While all of this is being done the tenant approval processes for the commercial space will begin,” Lowe said. “At this point, we’re not sure if a grocery store will end up going in and there are still some vacant spaces for retail.”

Before the redevelopment work began, the lot was home to a single-level plaza Lowe called “tired and under-utilized.” The new plaza will allow for more efficient use of both commercial and retail space, he said.