Mayor Staples Plans More High-Rises
Duncan city - local news
Major Developments Set to Reshape Duncan’s Landscape
Duncan is on the brink of a significant transformation as multiple large-scale developments move forward, bringing hundreds of new residential units and commercial spaces to the small city. The recent zoning approvals granted by the City Council for projects on Trans-Canada Highway, Dobson Road, and Ypres Street signal a major shift in the city’s landscape, density, and overall character.
Mayor Staples is living up to her Agenda 2030 plans placed in the OCP. Looking to be the fastest in growing her 15min city with scramble crosswalks, removing all greenery left in lieu of large buildings, and creating a small “compact” city, darkened by high-rises.
140 Trans-Canada Highway: A Major Mixed-Use Hub
One of the largest projects in the pipeline, the proposed development at 140 Trans-Canada Highway, will introduce three six-story buildings. The first phase will include a 98-unit residential building, followed by two additional six-story mixed-use buildings with commercial spaces on the ground floor and 90 residential units each. In total, this project will bring 278 new residential units to the city.
This project will require rezoning from Highway Corridor Commercial (HCC) to a new Highway Corridor Commercial 3 (HCC3) Zone, as well as High-Density Residential (HDR) zoning to accommodate the residential aspect. The increase in housing and commercial activity could significantly impact local traffic and infrastructure.
Dobson Road: High-Density Residential Development
A proposal for 553, 561, and 573 Dobson Road has also been approved, with plans for a multi-building high-density residential project. The development will feature multiple apartment buildings reaching six story’s in height.
This project is expected to introduce a significant number of new housing units, dramatically changing the visual landscape of the area. The increased density may lead to traffic concerns and a need for expanded public services.
490 Ypres Street & 483-491 Cavell Street: Mid-Rise Urban Living
The Ypres Street development, located at 490 Ypres Street and 483 & 491 Cavell Street, will consist of a four-story, 36-unit residential building. While smaller in scale than the Dobson and Trans-Canada Highway projects, it still represents a significant increase in density for the neighborhood.
The introduction of this building will likely shift the character of Ypres Street, which is currently dominated by low-rise structures. Parking, traffic flow, and infrastructure demands are expected to be areas of concern for current residents.
What This Means for Duncan Residents
The scale and speed of these developments represent one of the most significant changes Duncan has seen in decades. These projects will raise concerns about traffic congestion, infrastructure strain, and changes to the city’s small-town feel. But that's ok, you are supposed to just walk and bike in your 15 min city anyway!
Community members are encouraged to attend meetings, send in letters - not that it may do anything in the long run anyway ..?
Who are all these apartments for anyway? Has anyone asked this question?
For more information and access to the development drawings, visit the City of Duncan’s CivicWeb portal or the Big Conversations Duncan engagement website.
Sincerely,
Team COAP