Bella Vista

Starlight Developments, a leading Canadian developer focused on creating exceptional, complete communities, responded to a need for increased rental options in Central Saanich, a region in the Greater Victoria Area on Vancouver Island, BC. The goal was to develop and integrate a new purpose-built residential community into the existing urban fabric. The development will sit on a 2.34-acre site along the Salish Sea and provide more than 40 per cent of the community’s 2020 – 2025 rental needs. The project is part of a 3 Phase Master Plan Development.

Bella Vista was designed as two six-storey, timber-frame buildings with a total of 235 market rate and affordable units including studio, one, two and three-bedroom units. NORR’s inspiration for the architecture and placement of the buildings came through careful consideration of existing views and a goal of maximizing the residents’ connection to the outdoors. The buildings have been carefully placed in a L-shape within the site to create a buffer zone to neighbouring projects on the east and north while engaging tenant interaction in a shared landscaped courtyard. Built on top of an underground parkade, the development will feature amenity spaces such as a ground floor gym; yoga studio; and a tenant party room that spills into multi-use courtyard spaces, complete with a playground and dog park. Rooftop amenities feature BBQ areas, urban agriculture and community planters, fire tables and artificial turf areas with unrivaled views of the Pacific Ocean.

Bella Vista is aligned with the BC Energy Step Code. It requires a level of energy efficiency in new construction that is higher and more stringent than the BC Building Code. The development is being built to Step 3 requirements which will make it 50 per cent more energy-efficient compared to standard builds. Electric vehicle and e-bike charging stations will also be embedded in the infrastructure. With a strong holistic community focus, Bella Vista is poised to bring more sustainable and inclusive housing options to Central Saanich.