Welcome to Mill

Bay Commons

A thoughtfully planned residential community that will add much-needed housing to Mill Bay’s village core. Developed by Purdey Group, this project will introduce modern homes that complement the area’s character while providing a variety of living options for individuals, families, and seniors.

About the Project

Mill Bay Commons is a residential community designed to provide much-needed housing in Mill Bay’s village core. Led by Purdey Group, the project will include approximately 122 to 139 apartment units and 22 townhomes, offering a mix of housing options for individuals, families, and seniors. Positioned near Brentwood College School, Mill Bay Marina, and local shops, the development will enhance the area’s walkability and connectivity while complementing the surrounding neighbourhood. Buildings are designed to follow the natural topography, with thoughtful site planning to balance density and open spaces.

The project aligns with the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s Official Community Plan and supports the region’s need for diverse housing. The final unit mix and design details will be determined through the next stages of planning and approvals. The Mill Bay Commons will help meet Mill Bay’s housing needs through careful planning and engagement while maintaining the area’s character.

 

  • Mill Bay Marina (1-minute walk) – A full-service marina with moorage, waterfront dining, and recreational boating access.

  • Brentwood College School (3-minute walk) – A highly regarded independent school known for its academics and extracurricular programs.

  • Mill Bay Shopping Centre (2-minute walk) – A retail hub featuring a grocery store, pharmacy, coffee shops, and essential services.

  • Parks & Green Spaces – Access to walking trails, waterfront areas, and public parks for outdoor recreation.

  • Public Transit & Connectivity – Convenient access to bus routes linking Mill Bay to Duncan, Victoria, and surrounding areas.

With its walkable location and proximity to key community amenities, the Mill Bay Commons offers convenience and quality living in Mill Bay’s growing village core.

Nearby Amenities

Project Features & Site Plan

Positioned on a gently sloping site, the development will step down in height from six-story apartments near Mill Bay Road to three-story townhomes along Handy Road, providing a gradual transition to the surrounding neighborhood. Underground parking will serve the apartment buildings, while the townhomes will feature individual garages and driveways. A central green space will offer a shared gathering area for residents, enhancing the sense of community.

  • Multi-Family Apartments – Two buildings ranging from five to six stories, with a mix of unit sizes.

  • Townhomes – Three-story homes with private entrances, garages, and driveways.

  • Central Green Space – A landscaped area for residents to gather and enjoy outdoor amenities.

  • Walkable Community Design – New pedestrian sidewalks and improved connectivity to nearby shops and services.

  • Parking & Transportation – A mix of underground and surface parking, along with bicycle storage and transit-friendly access.

  • Site Integration – Thoughtful placement of buildings to follow the natural topography while minimizing impacts on neighboring properties.

  • The development will feature a mix of multi-family residential buildings and townhomes. The residential buildings will be five and six stories with underground parking, while the townhomes will be three-story residences with private garages and driveways.

  • The project is in the rezoning phase with the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD). Once approvals are in place, development timelines will be determined, with updates provided on this website.

  • The project is designed to enhance the Mill Bay village core by providing additional housing options while maintaining the area’s character. It includes pedestrian-friendly design elements, improved sidewalks, and green spaces, ensuring a positive integration with the existing neighborhood.

FAQ

  • The project is led by Purdey Group, a company focused on well-planned, community-oriented developments that align with local needs and long-term growth objectives. We have been part of the Mill Bay community for over ten years, playing a key role in the redevelopment of the adjacent Mill Bay Marina, which has become a cornerstone of the waterfront. Through our ongoing partnership with Mill Bay Marine Group, we remain committed to supporting the area’s growth while respecting its character and history.

  • We are working closely with the Mill Bay Water District (MBWD) and the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) to finalize servicing plans for water and sewer connections. We recognize the community’s concerns about water availability and are working with MBWD and other local partners to secure the necessary supply for the development. Our plans are being designed to meet all required water demands while ensuring a sustainable approach that aligns with community needs. Similarly, sewer servicing will be coordinated with the CVRD to ensure appropriate capacity and infrastructure improvements as needed. More details will be shared as plans are finalized.

  • A comprehensive traffic impact study was conducted to evaluate the proposed development's effects on local road networks. The study confirms that the additional traffic generated by the project can be accommodated comfortably by existing infrastructure, ensuring efficient traffic flow in the community.

    To effectively manage parking, the development will offer a combination of underground and surface parking options for residents. Recognizing the high use of the waterfront and nearby amenities, careful planning has gone into the on-site parking design to avoid adding pressure to surrounding streets.

    In collaboration with the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI), we are developing a strategy for offsite infrastructure improvements. As long-term members of this community and owners of the adjacent Mill Bay Marina, we understand local concerns about traffic and parking. Our commitment is to deliver a development that serves new residents while enhancing the overall experience for the broader Mill Bay community.

Information Sessions

  • Development planning began in 2015 following the marina development. Early concepts were explored with stakeholders in 2018, leading to extensive work on site servicing requirements. This process culminated in a June 2022 Open House, where the community provided feedback to help shape the next steps.

    Feedback received at the Open House reinforced the goal of creating a balanced, viable development that enhances Mill Bay while respecting the existing neighbourhood fabric. Community input highlighted strong support for a mix of housing types and tenures, including options for downsizing seniors, local workforce housing, and young families seeking more attainable homes near shops and schools.

    Residents also emphasized the importance of addressing parking and infrastructure needs. Key priorities included pedestrian safety improvements, such as sidewalks and a crosswalk near Handy Road to enhance connections to the shopping centre. The ideas and input shared through the June 2022 Open House helped shape the rezoning application.

  • Date and time for information meeting to be updated when finalized with CVRD.

Resident and Neighbourhood Engagement

Application Documents

Reports and documents submitted to Cowichan Valley Regional District

Contact US

We welcome your questions, feedback, and inquiries about the Mill Bay Commons development. Whether you’re a local resident, a prospective homeowner, or a community stakeholder, we want to keep you informed and engaged as the project moves forward.