A purpose-built rental building is coming to downtown Victoria.

Victoria city council on Thursday unanimously approved the development of a six-story, rental-only building for the corner of View and Vancouver streets.

Developed by J. Gordon Enterprises, the building will add 163 units — studio, one-bedroom units as well as 36 two-bedroom and three-bedroom units — of much-needed rental housing to the city’s downtown once completed.

“We’ve got a huge shortage of rental housing,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps. “This is 160 new units of rental housing, right in the downtown. So, that’s very exciting.”

The dog-friendly building also includes more than 200 spots for biking storage, a car share membership for every unit and a rooftop putting green. There are also plans for 30 residential parking spots.

During Thursday’s council meeting, a representative from J. Gordon Enterprises labelled the development as a rejuvenation project for the area.

However, nearby business owners and neighbours have voiced their concern about the lack of residential parking spots in the building plan.

One nearby barbershop owner told CHEK News that many of his clients already have issues finding parking in the area and believes the lack of residential parking spots will result in homeowners and their guests being forced to park on the street.

Another business owner voiced a similar concern but says overall he’s happy with the project moving forward.

Keep reading on checknews.ca

• 
•