Sidney approves hundreds of new rental units across several housing projects

Hundreds of new rental homes could be coming to Sidney after council moved three major housing projects forward at its latest meeting.

At its September 28th meeting, Sidney council approved development permits for two purpose-built rental projects representing 201 homes, while also approving a zoning amendment connected to a third 75-unit rental building proposal.

The largest of the projects is a five-storey, 140-unit rental apartment building planned for 2180 Beacon Avenue West, near Highway 17.

The development will feature a mix of one, two and three bedroom homes, along with adaptable units designed to improve accessibility.

According to the Town, 20% of the units will be offered as below-market rentals.

The project will also include construction of a planned multi-use path along the north side of Beacon Avenue West as part of the developer’s off-site improvements.

The development is not new to council after it was previously approved in 2024, including the necessary zoning changes, but the original development permit expired before construction could begin, requiring the developer to apply for a new permit.

Council also approved a development permit for a four-storey, 61-unit rental apartment building at 2060 White Birch Road.

That project was similarly approved in 2024 but required a new development permit after the previous permit expired before construction got underway.

The existing marina used on the White Birch Road property will remain.

Meanwhile, another four-storey 75 rental home property was proposed for 9972 Third Street. Council approved a zoning amendment for the property that creates consistent multi-unit residential zoning across the site.

Town planning documents show the proposal includes a range of unit sizes, including studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes.

The Third Street project has not yet received its final development approvals. Council will consider the associated development permit and development variance permit applications at a future meeting.

Together, the three projects represent 276 proposed purpose-built rental homes moving through Sidney’s development process.

The approvals come as Sidney works toward a provincially mandated housing target of 468 net new homes by June 30th, 2029.

Earlier this year, the Town said more than 500 housing units had been approved by council over the previous two years and were expected to be constructed in the coming years.

Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith said at the time that while the Town can create the conditions for housing development, the timing of construction ultimately depends on developers and market conditions.