RADIO POLL CONFIRMS CITY RESIDENTS SUPPORT INCREASED DENSITY IN VICTORIA

MEDIA RELEASE

November 14, 2016

VICTORIA – Urban Core Ventures (UCV) is encouraged by a radio poll over the Remembrance Day long weekend that ended with 71% of respondents are in favour of development and density increase in the City of Victoria. The CFAX 1070 poll held from November 11-14, 2016 asked “Should higher density development be discouraged in Victoria?” Over the four-day period, the no responses lead with 68 to 72% in support of increased density, more homes, more development.

The poll was related to a CFAX news story informing its listeners and readers about the progress of Urban Core Ventures Cook Street development. On November 10, 2016 Victoria City Council voted 7 to 2 in favour of sending the residential/mixed use development to Public Hearing. The Cook Street proposal includes 53 new homes including live/work units, town homes, studios, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom suites. 17 of the homes will be rental units, 9 of which will be priced at 10% below market value. Projects such as this will help address Victoria’s housing crisis as well as support the rejuvenation of the south end of Cook Street Village.

“We are aware that the majority of the city’s population supports projects like ours and are pleased to see CFAX’s broad audience respond so positively to our proposal and to development and density increases in Victoria,” said Leonard Cole, UCV President. “Our Cook Street proposal is an exciting addition to one of Victoria’s most beloved and diverse neighbourhoods.”

The project has evolved thanks to extensive community input since its inception in 2014. The building is 16.46 metres (54 feet) in height, 26% lower than the original proposal. The ground floor has been recently redesigned and retail has been reduced from 7800 square feet to 2000 square feet, at the request of neighbours. Green space has increased from 10% to 32% since the most recent proposal in June and larger residences were added to appeal to families.

For more information or to offer your support, please check out www.cookstvillage.com

Media inquiries can be directed at Meribeth Burton at info@urbancoreventures.com