Downtown Sign Program
A sign program has been developed to complement the Facade designs for downtown. The sign program brochure is available at the Planning or Economic Development Departments or download below.
Downtown Revitalization Strategy Unveiled
Parksville’s City Council has identified the revitalization of the downtown core as a priority and approved funding for a three-phased strategy.
Phase I – Façade Sketches
In November of 2005 architectural renderings were created that reflect the features established in the Downtown Master Plan and Development Guidelines with an old west coast look. They are available for viewing on this site.
Phase II & III were adopted by Council in November 2006. Phase II identifies a circulation pattern for pedestrians and vehicles and provides optimal flow based on the goals of creating an attractive, convenient and pedestrian friendly downtown.
Phase III includes a Corridor Design Study that identifies methods of enhancing the Highway 19a Corridor from an image perspective. As well,identifys methods of improving connectivity between the Waterfront and the Downtown core.
A variety of incentives are offered to encourage re-development in the downtown, download the brochures and call our office for details.
IncentivesFront2.pdf (2.6mb)
IncentivesBack.pdf (1.6mb)
Attainable Employee Housing
The Attainable Housing Steering Committee with the support of the City’s Economic Development Department prepared a set of recommendations for City Council. A survey was conducted with a broad sector range of the larger employers in the Oceanside area (Deep Bay to Nanoose.) The results showed that the majority of employees having difficulty obtaining housing are 21-29 years of age, single, and earn between $1,500 and $2,500 monthly. One important exception is the group of professionals and technology workers who are the same age group but earn substantially more. They are challenged by significant student loans, which bring their disposable incomes and situation into line with that of the hospitality and service workers.
The survey indicated that employers were aware of the challenges and numbers of employees struggling with housing issues. In fact, attainable employee housing was the number one issue stated, when it comes to attraction and retention of employees. Coming in second was skill shortage.
The task force has reviewed models used in other areas of the Province where a similar situation exists and complied some of the best practices that can be utilized in this region.
Council indicated it's interest in playing a role in solutions and would like to see the leadership role be assumed by the private sector. See the attached report submitted to Council in November 2006 .
Reportfromcommitteetocouncil_5.pdf
Retail Market Analysis
This study provides data that measures the potential of retail business opportunities in the city of Parksville, based on capturing and increasing the $376 million in retail expenditures that are currently spent by Oceanside households and visitors. This study has also identified the potential for the creation of new retail space in various retail business categories. Projections indicating the number of square felt required to meet consumer demand in 2006, 2010 and 2015 will assist new and existing businesses to define their market and expand and/or make changes to meet consumer’s needs.