Brief: High density development proposed for former Mount Begbie School site

BC Housing is proposing a high density development at 420 Downie Street.

During a virtual community engagement session held on September 30, BC Housing presented a plan for a 174-unit development. The proposed high density development includes a mix of apartments and townhomes, based on feedback from previous engagement sessions. Conceptual drawings shown presented three apartment buildings, one of which was five storeys, one four storeys, and one three storeys, along with 400 square meters of commercial space. The plans also include one parking space for each residential unit and eight commercial stalls.

Formerly the site of Mount Begbie Elementary School, BC Housing purchased the land from School District 19 Revelstoke in  early 2019. Information on BC Housing’s website notes they are developing the land to “build affordable housing to help families, seniors and young people working in the area.”

Read this November, 2019 story for background on housing projects in the works for Revelstoke, including the BC Housing project at 420 Downie Street:

Revelstoke housing update: projects in the works, but little change on the ground

The land is currently zoned P3-institutional and is designated as T-40 mixed use. In order to accommodate the proposed density of housing BC Housing will need to apply for a rezoning and OCP amendment, once the community engagement process is complete. Part of the engagement process includes getting community input on new zoning considerations including building form and height, density and parking requirements.

Residents still have time to provide feedback about the proposed high density development using this survey link until the end of the day on Wednesday, October 14. BC Housing says it will use the feedback from the survey and the online session to fine-tune the final concept before it is submitted to the city for rezoning consideration.