Planning Deep Dive
From Merrick Architecture's June 30, 2025 letter to Mayor Alto and Council - bold emphasis is not original, added by MappingVictoria:
This project was originally submitted for a concurrent Rezoning/Development Permit application on January 6th of 2023. While the application was reviewed by staff and the relevant departments, and technical comments were provided, it was noted that the application could not be supported by staff as it would impact the zoning and Master Development Agreement in relation to the next door 430 Menzies site (Q-Lot), and that property owners (the Province of B.C.) would need to provide a letter authorizing the development. Note that our client’s 475 Kingston property was subdivided from the larger 430 Menzies site in 2018.
After a year and half of negotiation the Province has provided an authorization letter, though it should be noted that from their point of view that no authorization was required from them to allow this application to proceed. It has also since been determined that the Master Development Agreement no longer remains, and has been replaced by a separate covenant, in addition to the still in place Legislative Precinct Guidelines. It should also be noted that in our communications with the Province that they advised us that the 430 Menzies Lot is in the process of eventually being transferred to the Songhees First Nation as part of their Land Claims negotiation.
As such, the only remaining portion of land which will continue to be governed by the 1994 Legislative Precinct Guidelines will be the subdivided 475 Kingston property, for which the future zoning context to the east is unknown, as it is uncertain whether or not these lands will continue to be subject to the Legislative Precinct Guidelines.
On January 28, 2026 the development was discussed at the monthly Advisory Design Panel meeting; outcomes and next steps will be shared here.
