After years of extensive planning and securing necessary approvals, the massive Sandstone development in South Nanaimo is poised to begin construction. This project by Seacliff Properties represents a significant transformation for the region, introducing substantial housing, commercial space, and the promise of numerous jobs, although it also brings ongoing community discussion regarding infrastructure impacts like traffic.
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Project Overview and Path to Construction
The Sandstone development, a vision roughly five years in the making to navigate planning hurdles, has now successfully obtained its guiding Master Plan document, alongside required Official Community Plan amendments and rezoning. This marks a crucial transition from the planning desk to the potential for ground-breaking.
The overall framework for Sandstone outlines six distinct development areas. These zones are designed to incorporate a mix of housing options, commercial, industrial, and office spaces, complemented by dedicated parks and trail networks. The current focus for Seacliff Properties is heavily centered on the complex engineering work and critical infrastructure upgrades necessary to prepare the large land parcels for building.
Visual representation of the Sandstone development master plan by Seacliff Properties, detailing proposed land use areas in South Nanaimo.
Key Components of the Sandstone Plan
A central element of the development is the 50-acre Fielding Neighbourhood Centre, envisioned as an urban town core. This area is slated for commercial and institutional buildings and includes plans for approximately 1,000 medium-density housing units, such as condominiums.
Beyond the urban centre, the plan allocates space for a maximum of 1,200 additional residential units. These are primarily intended to be single-family homes, split between the Cinnabar Valley and Cedar Road neighbourhoods within the development footprint. It’s worth noting that land within the Cedar Road neighbourhood portion was transferred to the Snuneymuxw First Nation nearly two years ago, encompassing environmentally protected areas along the Nanaimo River. [Learn more about land transfers involving First Nations in development projects.]
A significant economic driver within the Sandstone project is the planned employment-business precinct. Spanning three areas, this zone is designed to accommodate over three million square feet of industrial and business park floor area, offering substantial potential for commercial and light industrial activity.
Construction Timeline and Economic Impact
Seacliff Properties is expressing optimism regarding the construction timeline. The developer hopes to initiate construction on the first industrial units as early as late this year. Following that, residential construction in the Cinnabar Valley area is anticipated to begin next year.
Developing a project of this magnitude is a phased, long-term undertaking. Seacliff Properties estimates the full build-out process for Sandstone could span approximately 20 years. Throughout this construction phase, the project is projected to support around 1,200 construction-related jobs annually, providing a significant economic boost to the local workforce.
While specific tenants for the commercial core remain unannounced, the developer indicates that market demand will heavily influence the phasing of this component. Interest from potential retailers is already being noted, suggesting that responsiveness to these inquiries will shape when Area Five, designated for commercial activity, moves into production.
Community Perspective and Outstanding Concerns
The prospect of the Sandstone development moving forward has garnered considerable local attention, particularly within the Chase River neighbourhood. The Chase River Neighbourhood Association has voiced support, acknowledging the developer’s substantial investment and patience over many years to bring the project to this stage. They express excitement about Sandstone’s potential to significantly impact and elevate the profile of South Nanaimo.
However, alongside the enthusiasm, there are also notable apprehensions within the community. A primary concern revolves around traffic management, specifically tied to the current primary access point via Extension Road. Residents worry that as residential units increase, particularly in the Cinnabar Valley section, the existing road infrastructure will become a significant bottleneck.
The Sandstone Master Plan itself recognizes the challenges related to vehicular movement into and out of the Chase River/Cinnabar Valley areas and highlights the need for future investment in transportation infrastructure. [Explore local infrastructure plans in Nanaimo.]
For residents who have long relied on travelling to North Nanaimo for retail and services, there is hope that Sandstone will bring a diverse range of stores and amenities closer to home. While the specific retailers are yet to be determined, the community is hopeful that the commercial component will offer options that reduce the need for trips to other parts of the city.
Outlook and Next Steps
With the major planning and rezoning hurdles cleared, Seacliff Properties is now focused on the detailed engineering work required to prepare the land for construction. The target of beginning industrial construction later this year signals a tangible step forward for the long-anticipated Sandstone development. The project holds significant promise for job creation and diversifying South Nanaimo’s landscape with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial spaces, though monitoring and addressing community concerns, particularly regarding traffic, will remain critical as the extensive build-out unfolds over the coming years.
