UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS REDEVELOPMENT CONCEPT - University Heights Victoria
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UNIVERSITY
HEIGHTS
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS
R E D E V E LO PM E N T C O N C E P T
Wesbild has recently submitted our finalized plans to redevelop University Heights Shopping Centre to the
District of Saanich.
Wesbild’s redevelopment proposal for the University Heights Shopping Centre envisions to deliver to the
District of Saanich: a wide variety of new rental housing alternatives, an anchor grocery store, an improved
Home Depot, a range of service-oriented retail, both fast and smart casual dining options, medical
professional and health services, a daycare, publicly accessible greenspace, and improved circulation.
SHELBOURNE VALLEY ACTION PLAN
University Heights is located at 3980 Shelbourne Street, which is within the District of Saanich’s Shelbourne Valley Action Plan (2017).
THE SHELBOURNE OUR UNIVERSITY
VALLEY ACTION PLAN HEIGHTS PROPOSAL REDEVELOPMENT SITE
Support mixed use The site is located at the core
development near the core of of the University Centre, which
each Centre and Village. is designated as a major centre.
HOME
For properties designated Will include the revitalization DEPOT
as mixed-use/commercial to of University Heights’
strongly encourage retail or commercial core and includes
other pedestrian oriented a number of retail essentials,
commercial use on the main including a grocery store,
floor. pharmacy, and restaurants.
Encourage residential above All rental homes will be above
the first floor in all properties the ground floor commercial
designated for mixed-use/ to accommodate the growing
commercial. need of local residents and
students.
Promote a range of housing Rental homes will range from
types, forms and tenures to micro-suites to 3 bedroom
support a diverse, inclusive and homes with 10% (60) of all
multigenerational community. homes proposed at affordable
rates. * Above map taken from the District of Saanich’s
Shelbourne Valley Action Plan, dated May 2017
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
WHERE WE’VE COME FROM, AND WHERE WE’RE GOING
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024/5
NOVEMBER 2017 JUNE 2018 EARLY 2019 JANUARY 2020 MAY 2021 SPRING 2022 2024/2025
INITIAL RESUBMISSION #1 COMMUNITY GROUP COMMUNITY GROUP RESUBMISSION #7 CONSTRUCTION RETAIL SHOPS OPEN
APPLICATION & NEIGHBOURHOOD & NEIGHBOURHOOD STARTS FOR BUSINESS AND
JULY 2018 CONSULTATIONS CONSULTATIONS SUMMER 2021 RESIDENTS BEGIN TO
ADVISORY DESIGN INTRODUCTION TO CONTINUES TO 2025 +MOVE IN
PANEL MARCH 2019 SPRING 2020 COUNCIL
RE-ENVISIONING VIRTUAL
JULY 2018 CONSULTATION FALL 2021
PROCESS
PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC HEARING
MAY 2020
MEETING #1 SPRING AND
SUMMER 2019
RESUBMISSION #5 WINTER 2021
AUGUST 2018 JULY 2020 ADOPTION
MEETINGS WITH
RESUBMISSION #2 DISTRICT OF SAANICH RESUBMISSION #6
SEPTEMBER 2018 OCTOBER 2019 AUGUST 2020
PUBLIC INFORMATION COMMUNITY SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
RESUBMISSION #4
MEETING #2 ASSOCIATION
NOVEMBER 2019 ZOOM METTING
OCTOBER 2018 COMMUNITY GROUP AUGUST 2020
RESUBMISSION #3 & NEIGHBOURHOOD COUCIL MEETING
CONSULTATIONS
NOVEMBER 2018 FALL 2020
CONTINUED TO DECEMBER 2019 ON HOLD
WORK WITH STAFF AND PUBLIC INFORMATION
COMMUNITY MEETING #3
ON REDESIGN
NOVEMBER AND
DECEMBER 2018
COMMUNITY GROUP
& NEIGHBOURHOOD
CONSULTATIONS WE ARE HERE
SUBMISSIONS
PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION PROCESS
Over the past four years, the community has been engaged in the planning process through public open houses
and individual meetings. Our application has evolved through input from our neighbours, community associations,
anchor tenants and local stakeholder groups.
499
Neighbours attended at least
88
Comment sheets received from
415
Registered on our website for
one of our Open Houses our three Open Houses more information
THREE PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES WERE COMMENT SHEETS COLLECTED AT OUR A COPY OF OUR PRESENTATION WAS
HELD IN JULY 2018, SEPTEMBER 2018 AND PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES AND ACCEPTED EMAILED TO OUR REGISTRANTS AFTER
DECEMBER 2019. ONLINE HELPED US SHAPE OUR PLAN. EACH OPEN HOUSE.
6
Meetings with local Community
20,000+
Notices sent to our neighbours with
12
Community members we have
Associations our Open House information met with individually
PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 5 MEETINGS WITH THE NOTICES GAVE THOSE WHO WERE UNABLE WE ARE AVAILABLE TO MEET WITH MEMBERS
OTHER LOCAL GROUPS INTERESTED IN TO ATTEND IN PERSON AN OPPORTUNITY TO OF THE COMMUNITY INDIVIDUALLY TO
LEARNING MORE ABOUT OUR PLAN. REVIEW AND PROVIDE FEEDBACK ONLINE. DISCUSS THE PROPOSAL.
ADVERTISEMENTS INVITING FEEDBACK
WERE ALSO PLACED IN THE VICTORIA TIMES
COLONIST, TC EXTRA, SAANICH NEWS, AND ON
SOCIAL MEDIA.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
CONSULTATION DURING COVID
Keeping the community informed remains a priority for us, even during this unprecedented time. Here are a few
ways we have engaged our community stakeholders since Spring 2020:
BANNERS INSIDE THE EXISTING MALL POSTCARD SENT TO OUR NEIGHBOURS
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS
R E D E V E LO PM E N T C O N C E P T
Wesbild has recently submitted our finalized plans to redevelop
University Heights Shopping Centre to the District of Saanich.
Wesbild’s redevelopment proposal for the University Heights Shopping Centre, if
approved by council, will deliver to the District of Saanich: a wide variety of new
Shelbourne St
ill Rd
rental housing alternatives, an anchor grocery store, a range of service-oriented
retail, both fast and smart casual dining options, medical professional and health
Cedar H
services, a daycare, publicly accessible greenspace, and improved circulation.
To view our final proposal, please visit:
McKenzie Ave
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
HEIGHTS
SAANICH NEWS AD
UNIVERSITY
HEIGHTS
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS
R E D E V E LO PM E N T C O N C E P T
Wesbild has recently submitted our finalized plans to
redevelop University Heights Shopping Centre to the
District of Saanich.
Wesbild’s redevelopment proposal for the University Heights
Shopping Centre envisions delivering to the District of Saanich:
a wide variety of new rental housing alternatives, an anchor
grocery store, a range of service-oriented retail, both fast and
smart casual dining options, medical professional and health
services, a daycare, publicly accessible greenspace, and improved
circulation.
To view our final proposal, please visit:
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
OUR NEIGHBOURS SPOKE, WE LISTENED
This revised proposal has been informed by community and stakeholder feedback collected over the last three years,
including three community Open Houses and multiple meetings with neighbours and community stakeholders.
We added a larger We reduced the building We added a public
daycare centre height on Cedar Hill Road park
AFTER WE HEARD YOU NEEDED MORE TO REDUCE BUILDING IMPACT ON TO ADD ADDITIONAL PUBLIC
CHILDCARE SPACES NEIGHBOURING RESIDENTIAL HOMES GREEN SPACE TO THE COMMUNITY
• INCREASED THE SQUARE FOOTAGE OF • INTRODUCED A MORE CONSISTENT • PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE GREEN SPACE
THE DAYCARE UP TO APPROXIMATELY 6-STOREY BUILDING TYPOLOGY ALONG • CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA
11,000 SQ.FT. INCLUDING AN OUTDOOR CEDAR HILL ROAD, WHICH IS LESS THAN • DOG PARK
PLAY AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 4,000 THE 8-STOREYS ALLOWED IN THE
SQ.FT. SHELBOURNE VALLEY ACTION PLAN
We improved the public We improved our affordable We made transportation
gathering space housing package improvements
TO ENSURE THE NEW UNIVERSITY TO ENSURE THAT SAANICH RESIDENTS AFTER HEARING CONCERNS ABOUT THE
HEIGHTS FOSTERS A SENSE OF CAN BETTER AFFORD TO REMAIN IN TRAFFIC IMPACT TO OUR NEIGHBOURS
COMMUNITY SAANICH
• MAINTAINED LARGER BUS BAYS
• PUBLIC PLAZA HAS BEEN REDESIGNED • 100% RENTAL HOUSING • ENHANCED CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE
TO ACCOMMODATE COMMUNITY • MICRO SUITES PROVIDE AN INCREASED • REDUCED COMMERCIAL DENSITY
GATHERINGS LEVEL OF AFFORDABILITY BY APPROXIMATELY 80,000 SQ.FT.,
• THE STAIRS LEADING TO THE PODIUM • 60 HOMES (10%) PROPOSED TO MEET BC THEREFORE REDUCING THE NUMBER
LEVEL DESIGNED TO SERVE AS HOUSING DEFINITION OF “AFFORDABLE”: OF TWO-WAY VEHICLE TRIPS
AMPHITHEATRE STYLE SEATING WILL NOT EXCEED 30% OF THE INCOME FOR
• PROPOSING AN ART WALK ALONG DESIGNATED UNIT TYPES AS DEFINED BY
CEDAR HILL ROAD STATS CAN
• PEDESTRIAN BREEZEWAY ALONG
MCKENZIE AVENUE WESBILD IS FURTHER PROPOSING TO CONTRIBUTE
$500,000 TO THE DISTRICT OF SAANICH TOWARDS
A LOCAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUND.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
THE PROPOSAL
SECURED RENTAL HOUSING
• 597 Total Rental Residential Homes,
N
including 60 affordable rental homes
• 177 micro homes ROA
D
HILL
• 117 studio homes B2 C C E DA
R
• 163 one bedroom homes TING
EXIS EPOT
E D
H OM
• 130 two bedroom homes
B1
• 10 three bedroom homes
A
D
COMMERCIAL
• 218,640 sq.ft. Total Commercial Floor Area
• New Commercial: 131,440 sq.ft.
• Expand Home Depot to 97,200 sq.ft.
VEHICLE PARKING
MC
• 382 Total Residential Parking Stalls
KE
NZ
• 0.64 per residential home
IE
AV
• 680 Total Commercial Parking Stalls
E NU
TING
EXIS TION
• 3.1 per 1000 sq.ft.
E
S TA
GAS
ET
RE
BIKE PARKING UR
N ES
T
O
• 678 Secured Bike Parking SH
E LB
• 622 Residential *Artistic rendering. Subject to District
of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
• 56 Commercial
• 70 At Grade Bike Parking 135 Residential Rental Homes 125 Residential Rental Homes
A C
• 30 Residential 16,749 sq.ft. Commercial Floor Area 18,122 sq.ft. Commercial Floor Area
• 40 Commercial 129 Residential Rental Homes 89 Residential Rental Homes
B1 D
61,472 sq.ft. Commercial Floor Area 25,098 sq.ft. Commercial Floor Area
STORAGE LOCKERS
• 378 Secured Residential Storage Lockers B2 119 Residential Rental Homes
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
HOME DEPOT EXPANSION
Home Depot is proposing to expand their store in order to better serve the community. This includes additional
indoor space of nearly 10,000 sq.ft. while maintaining their garden centre and seasonal outdoor area.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
ENVISIONED RETAIL MIX
N POTENTIAL
STORES & SERVICES
• Save-On-Foods • Bank of Montreal
• Shoppers Drug Mart • Scotia Bank
• Thrifty Foods Liquor • TD Canada Trust
• Cactus Club • Coast Capital Savings
• Earls • Coastal Community
• Joeys Credit Group
• Browns Restaurant • Vancity
McKENZIE AVENUE
Group • CEFA Early Learning
• White Spot • Kids & Company
• Boston Pizza • Willowbrae Child Care
• Tap & Barrel • Brightpath Child Care
• The Canadian Brew • Starbucks
House • Pet Valu
• The Donnelly Group • Orange Theory Fitness
POTENTIAL LOCAL
STORES & SERVICES
• Discovery Coffee • The Local Bar Restaurant
• Habit Coffee • Be Love Vegan
• Patisserie Daniel Restaurant
• Crust Bakery • Bin 4 Burger Lounge
• Fol Epi Organic Bread & • Oak Bay Bicycles
Pastry • Russ Hay’s The Bicycle
SHELBOURNE STREET • La Taquisa Shop
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COM
AMENITIES
PROPOSED AMENITIES
1• Building A: resident only co-working space with large
outdoor patio
N
C E DA R 2• Building B: resident only amenity centre comprised
H I L L RO
AD of: fitness room; multi- purpose area, including study
7 and social rooms; common kitchen
3• Resident only outdoor amenity area comprised of:
McKENZIE AVENUE
1
B2 • Patio dining
• Barbeque area
• Lounge area
8
4• Building D: resident only co-working space with large
5 outdoor patio
12
A 2
3
C 5• Public open green space for active and passive play
HOME DEPOT
6• TO
Public children’s play area/playground structures
REMAIN
6
7• Public Art Walk
EXISTING
HOME DEPOT 8• Public Dog Park
B1
9• Public Community Plaza
10• Memorial Avenue Committee WWI Memorial Plaque
11• Daycare
12• Transit Hub & Pedestrian Breezeway
9
11
OTHER PROPOSED AMENITIES
GAS STATION
EXISTING
TO REMAIN
GAS STATION D • Dog wash/car wash/bike wash area in
4 parkade for residents
10 • Bike repair stations/storage on site
• EV charging for car, bike, and scooter on site
• Car share (modo)
SHELBOURNE STREET • Dedicated bike lanes along all frontages
• End of trip facilities, including showers, storage
and lockers
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COMCOMMUNITY AMENITY CONTRIBUTIONS
Wesbild is proposing the following Community Amenities for the redevelopment of University Heights:
AFFORDABLE HOUSING STRATEGY INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES
• 100% RENTAL All 597 residential homes will be secured as rental • Contribution to a District of Saanich-led study to improve safety and visibility of
for the lifespan of the building. the crosswalk on CEDAR HILL ROAD at the junction of Arrow Road.
• AFFORDABLE RENTAL 10%, or 60 homes, proposed as part of • Contribution towards the memorial LONDON PLANE TREE FUND along
the redevelopment will meet BC Housing definition of “affordable” Shelbourne Street.
whereby rents of those homes will not exceed 30% of the income
• Supporting Ray Travers and the Memorial Avenue Committee’s project by
for designated unit types as defined by Stats Can. The proposed
INSTALLING A MEMORIAL PLACARD along the Shelbourne Street frontage.
mix of homes will be proportional to the overall mix throughout the
redevelopment. • DEDICATED BIKE LANES along Shelbourne Street, McKenzie Avenue, and Cedar
Hill Road.
• AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUND Wesbild is proposing to make
a $500,000 financial contribution to the District of Saanich to • Transportation infrastructure including a transit hub consisting of THREE-BAY
support an affordable housing fund. BUS PULLOUT along McKenzie Avenue complete with two new bus shelters.
• MICRO HOMES A creative way to achieve affordability through • PEDESTRIAN BREEZEWAY connecting transit users to University Heights.
home size and innovation. With liveable homes of 312 square feet,
these thoughtfully designed homes will be more accessible at lower
rental rates.
PUBLIC & OPEN SPACES
• Integrated public open space including A PUBLIC PLAZA AND LANDSCAPED
COURTYARD with children’s play structures for active play.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS • PEDESTRIAN FOCUSED CORRIDOR that connects Shelbourne Street with
Cedar Hill Road.
• Total economic impact of the University Heights redevelopment is
approximately $410 MILLION. • An “ART WALK” is proposed along the Cedar Hill Road elevation that will
provide opportunities for dynamic and vibrant curated installations.
• Significant increased annual PROPERTY TAXES for the District of
Saanich, totalling an estimated $2 MILLION annually.
• OVER $2,800,000 CONTRIBUTION in Development Cost Charges
SUSTAINABILITY
for future City infrastructure programs. • Provide one CARSHARE vehicle for use within the community.
• The project will create an estimated 309 JOBS through construction, • 20 EV CHARGING STALLS to be provided onsite.
and 209 PERMANENT JOBS. • E-BIKE CHARGING station, repair stations and end of trip facilities for cyclists.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COMPROPOSED TRANSPORTATION PLAN
The proposal includes significant improvements to the area’s pedestrian, cycling and transit networks.
The mixed-use plan leads to shorter average trips and more multi-purpose trips.
TRANSIT
McKenzie Avenue to have a
PA R K I N G BIKES DEDICATED BUS BAY with sufficient
1,062 residential & commercial NEW ENHANCED BIKE LANES space to accommodate 3 BUSES
PARKING SPACES (approx. 0.64 on all street frontages. Bike repair AND BUS SHELTER(S).
SPACES/UNIT & 3.1/1,000 SQ.FT.). stations and E-Bike charging stations
Lower than bylaw resident vehicle located on site. Multiple BIKE RACKS ROUTES:
parking supply is an important located around the site for visitors; Shelbourne: #27, #28, #34 CAR SHARE
strategy to help the District reach its SECURE BIKE STORAGE rooms for McKenzie: #16, #26, #51 A CAR SHARE is
active transportation goals. residents and employees. Cedar Hill: #12, #24 proposed.
P
SITE ACCE SS PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC S E RV I C E T R U C K S
SITE ACCESS on Cedar Hill Road has Improved public realm around Site will experience VEHICLE LOADING AND SERVICE TRUCK
been REDUCED by approximately development edges. Mid-block east/ TRIP RATE REDUCTION, due to ACCESS has been thoughtfully
94% from the original development west pedestrian route through the mixed-use advantages. Vehicle trips designed into the site vehicle
plan. The current plan results in a site. ENHANCED and ACCESSIBLE generated during the Weekday and circulation plan.
right-in only entry at the Cedar Hill pedestrian circulation throughout Saturday peak hour periods are
South Access with access to just pick- the site, including stairs, ramps and anticipated to be similar to existing
up/drop-off spaces at the Cedar Hill elevators. levels due to a decrease in overall
North Access. commercial area, dispersed travel
patterns and increased internal trips
within the site due to more diverse
land uses and increased pedestrian,
cycling and transit accessibility.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COMPROPOSED TRANSPORTATION PLAN
IN ONLY
N
AD
RESIDENTIAL
DROP OFF/PICK UP ONLY
W RO
IN / OUT
A R RO
C E DA R
H I L L RO
AD : #12, #24
BUS ROUTES
CEDAR HILL
McKENZIE AVENUE
MCKENZIE BUS ROUTES: #16, #26, #51
EXISTING
HOME DEPOT
HOME DEPOT
TO REMAIN
V
IN / OUT
R
B
F
U
P
P
GAS STATION
EXISTING
TO REMAIN P
GAS STATION
IM
A
B
SHELBOURNE BUS ROUTES: #27, #28, #34
IN / OUT IN / OUT
SHELBOURNE STREET
VEHICLE TRAFFIC BIKE LANE UPGRADES UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS
PEDESTRIAN CONNECTOR
ROAD UNDER PODIUM LEVEL FUTURE BIKE CONNECTION PEDESTRIAN CONNECTION
PUBLIC PARKADE ACCESS DEDICATED BIKE ACCESS IMPROVED BUS STOPS
TO PARKADE
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COMREVISED PROPOSAL SUMMARY
After our ongoing Community Consultation with our neighbours, tenants, and the community we have made
the final revisions to our University Heights Redevelopment Plan. Since our June 2020 proposal, we have
been working with Home Depot and the District of Saanich to make revisions which will expand the existing
HOme Depot to better serve the community and improve operations of University Heights during and after
construction.
The evolution of our proposal is reflected in the table below.
2018 PROPOSAL 2019 PROPOSAL MAY 2020 PROPOSAL JUNE 2020 PROPOSAL FINAL PROPOSAL
TOTAL DENSITY 543,571 sq.ft. 491,836 sq.ft. 491,070 sq.ft. 491,070 sq.ft. 586,799 sq.ft.
HOME DEPOT 87,200 sq.ft. 87,200 sq.ft. 87,200 sq.ft. 87,200 sq.ft. 97,200 sq.ft.
RESIDENTIAL UNITS 367 528 618 598 597
AFFORDABLE UNITS 10 53 62 60 60
COMMERCIAL AREA 298,604 sq.ft. 249,563 sq.ft. 204,613 sq.ft. 205,552 sq.ft. 218,640 sq.ft.
RESIDENTIAL PARKING 188 (0.5 per unit) 272 (0.5 per unit) 396 (0.64 per unit) 393 (0.66 per unit) 382 (0.64 per unit)
COMMERCIAL PARKING 979 (3.3 per 1,000 sq.ft.) 709 (3 per 1,000 sq.ft.) 726 (3.7 per 1,000 sq.ft.) 722 (3.5 per 1,000 sq.ft.) 680 (3.1 per 1,000 sq.ft.)
AMENITY AREA 2,000 sq.ft. 2,770 sq.ft. 3,907 sq.ft. 3,907 sq.ft. 3,907 sq.ft.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COMAERIAL VIEW
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
N
OA D
RH ILL R
C E DA
TING
EXIS EPOT
ED
H OM
MC
KE
NZ
IE
AV
ENU
TING
EXIS TION
E
S TA
GAS ET
T RE
N ES
O UR
E LB
SH
An aerial view of University Heights from high above the intersection of Shelbourne Street and McKenzie Avenue.
One can see the existing gas station in the foreground as well as Home Depot in the distance. The gas station does not form part of the
University Heights redevelopment.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COMSHELBOURNE STREET
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
Looking at University Heights from across Shelbourne Street, near the new CIBC, one can see the new building along Shelbourne Street now consists of a more
urban design vocabulary that will act as a landmark building in the District of Saanich and serve as a gateway to University Heights.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COMSHELBOURNE STREET
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
Moving north along Shelbourne Street, views of University Heights now reveal the pedestrian gateway into the site by way of an accessible landscaped stair and
ramp beneath the dramatically cantilevered building providing both an architectural statement aesthetically, as well as the functionality of weather protection.
A strong horizontal design element defines the commercial second floor which will be home to a daycare and office-oriented users such as medical professionals.
The upper podium realm will be landscaped with trees adding a vertical element to the landscape design, while enhancing the urban tree canopy to help
achieve the District’s Climate Action Plan. Adjacent the pedestrian gateway is the Shelbourne access driveway, maintained and upgraded in its current location,
providing vehicle access to both the High Street retail level as well as to the underground parkade.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COMUNIVERSITY HEIGHTS PEDESTRIAN CONNECTOR
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
A close-up view of the Shelbourne Stair, serving as the pedestrian gateway to University Heights, will safely and creatively animate pedestrian’s connectivity
throughout the new centre.
Some of the key design features of the landscaped Shelbourne Stair will include: dramatic wooden-clad beams; separated stairs, ramps, and walkways providing
safe access; access to a public elevator to provide an additional level of accessibility; a commemorative plaque in collaboration with the Memorial Avenue
Committee.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COMINTERNAL HIGH STREET
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
An internal site view of University Heights looking south from Home Depot along High Street gives one the look and feel of the internal landscaped streetscape
showcasing the ground floor retail with residential above. The redesigned at-grade access from Shelbourne, viewed here coming into the site on the left,
enhances vehicular circulation for both Home Depot and the new retailers, as well as provides opportunities for additional public gathering space at University
Heights where special community events could be hosted.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COMINTERNAL HIGH STREET
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
An aerial view positioned above Home Depot looking south down High Street. From this elevated position one can see the second level daycare and its outdoor
play area in the newly designed Shelbourne building.
The Shelbourne building from this angle also reveals the weather protected public plaza being covered by the cantilevered architecture where one might
envision café and restaurant patios. Further, this angle also reveals the podium vegetation that adds a vertical element to the landscape design above street
level, while also enhancing the urban tree canopy to help the District achieve its Climate Action Plan.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COMMCKENZIE AVENUE
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
Viewing University Heights from McKenzie Avenue looking northwest, one can see the McKenzie access driveway just beyond the gas station that will
function similarly to present day, as well as the new McKenzie Avenue transit hub in the distance. The new transit hub design will provide bus bays and bus
shelters located mid-block. The bus bay design of University Heights has provided for a mid block entrance directly into the site through a covered breeze-
way that will provide additional shelter to transit users, shown here to have a decorative red canopy.
A retail streetscape fronting McKenzie will activate and animate University Heights’ interaction with the public realm. On-street bike parking will be placed
throughout the site and ensure there is ample above ground and below ground bike parking for residents, employees, and shoppers.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COMCEDAR HILL ROAD AND MCKENZIE AVENUE
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
Viewing the southwest corner of University Heights from the intersection of McKenzie and Cedar Hill looking northeast showcases landscape design elements
both at grade as well as the upper storeys surrounding the redevelopment that help to enhance the public realm, contribute to the District of Saanich’s urban
canopy, and enhance the quality of life to both residents and neighbours. Also showcased, new protected bike lanes and sidewalks, along all University Heights
frontages, that will help ensure safe travel for those coming to the centre or commuting throughout the region.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COMCEDAR HILL ROAD
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
Moving north along Cedar Hill looking east into University Heights, one can see through the site past the Cedar Hill driveway to the retail High Street beyond.
Parkade access is to the immediate left once onsite. By moving this vehicle driveway access south along Cedar Hill near McKenzie, traffic along Cedar Hill has
been minimized. Also visible in this rendering is the Art Walk proposed along the Cedar Hill sidewalk adjacent University Heights. The Art Walk will animate the
redevelopment’s Cedar Hill elevation, transforming it into a series of interactive dynamic and individually curated sidewalk art galleries with seating areas for
residents and neighbours to interact. It is important to note that the artwork depicted on these renderings are only conceptual and do not in any way present a
final design.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COMCEDAR HILL ROAD
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
Viewed from Cedar Hill closer to the intersection of Arrow Road, looking back towards McKenzie an alternate view of the Art Walk is revealed as is the podium
access. The podium access defines the mid-block public connection that runs east-west from Cedar Hill to Shelbourne through University Heights by way of a
safe and fully accessible pedestrian corridor. The design is such that along the way are publicly accessible kids play structures, green open space, and a fenced
dog park. Vehicular access at this location is limited to the podium for resident pick-up and drop-off, as well as move-in and move-out activity.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COMPUBLIC COURTYARD AND PARK
* Artistic renderings. Subject to District of Saanich approval. Subject to change.
A southern aerial view overlooking the landscaped public courtyard along the east-west pedestrian connection from Cedar Hill through University Heights to
Shelbourne showcasing the kids play structure, green open space, and dog park. The design of the courtyard is vehicle tolerant, not dominant, as the paver stone
shared spaces allow for vehicle circulation to facilitate pick-up and drop-off activity, at the traffic is calmed to respect the pedestrian realm.
Notable design elements include: A unique “bird nest” style playground that will create a unique play experience for children adjacent open green space for both
active and passive play; a fenced-in off-leash dog park for both tenants and the public; a 2-storey fully programmed resident amenity building, located between
the two residential buildings.
UNIVERSITYHEIGHTSVICTORIA.COMTHANK YOU
Wesbild would like to thank our neighbours and residents of the District of Saanich for your comments
and support through our consultation process. Your feedback helped shape the future of University
Heights, and led us to this final concept.
A HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE...
Since 1981, Wesbild has been creating livable, environmentally responsible homes, neighbourhoods, and
community gathering places. A privately held real estate development company, Wesbild specializes in
master-planned communities, shopping centres, industrial and golf courses. Each Wesbild project has
one thing in common: it is an inviting, thoughtfully designed place that brings people together.
OUR DESIGN TEAM INCLUDES:
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