spearheaded two projects on the Saanich Peninsula that will provide 138 new rental units, including 80 affordable rentals. When completed, this will be the most rentals built in the area in almost two decades. The first development, under construction at 7247 West Saanich Road, was approved in 2017. It will include a 40-unit affordable rental building, as well as restoration and conversion of the historic Verdier House (pictured at bottom left) into eight market rental homes. The ability to protect and preserve a heritage home, and gain approvals for the new project at 1909 Prosser Road, is largely due to Stride's innovative partnership with the Greater Victoria Housing Society. According to Peulen, "[if you] focus on building great relationships with neighbourhoods and other partners, you end up with projects that make communities better." At the Prosser Road development, the property will include garden plots, a walking path, a children's play area, green spaces and sitting areas, and fruit and vegetable plants in the landscaping. The space will be designed to cater to families, seniors and young people. "Stride is all about a quality build, a well-designed space and a property that complements the neighbourhood where it's located," says Peulen. The development is located on a major transit route that links to Sidney and Victoria, and will include 55 Modo car share memberships for the residents. These homes will also be located within walking and cycling distance of Saanichton village, minutes away from a variety of
employers. Peulen makes the point that "living and working in the same community results in fewer vehicle trips and greenhouse gas emissions. It's also an opportunity for local businesses [to] attract and retain talent when attainable rental housing is located nearby." The development will include a variety of studios, one- and twobedroom apartments, and two-level townhomes. Connectivity with the neighbourhood and alternative transportation are central to the design, with six electric-car charging stations available and a public bicycle repair station. "I've been very fortunate to work with great developers and business people who have helped me to gain the broad skill set that's required in real estate development," says Peulen. "We've worked closely with neighbours, council and the business community to design a project that has the potential to make a significant positive impact in Central Saanich." The Prosser and West Saanich Road developments are hopefully the first of many such projects. Stride Properties provides a housing list on their website (www. strideproperties.com), for anyone interested in updates on rental unit availability – this includes rentals in Central Saanich, as well as Stride's rental developments in other communities. For a list of subsidized and non-subsidized rental homes available from the Greater Victoria Housing Society, visit www.greatervichousing.org.
"If you focus on building great relationships with neighbourhoods and other partners, you end up with projects that make communities better."
Market & Affordable Rental Development Prosser Road