Work to develop Thetis Cove in View Royal has ceased and the land is up for sale.

Construction was to have started this spring on 19 single family homes. View Royal had also approved Phase 2 of the project last year, allowing for 20 two-storey townhomes and 110 condos in an eight-storey building. A final phase of condos would have brought the unit total to 250. The project included a waterfront public park.

Instead, the property at 140 Hallowell Road was listed with Colliers International several weeks ago and Westmana Development Corp. has confirmed it pulled out of the project last fall. Westmana was interested in buying the property from then owner Kevin Weaver, however, when the market slowed, they pulled out of the project, said René David, principal with Westmana.

According to property documents, the land is owned by Thetis Cove Estates Ltd. A number of architects and design consultants have filed claims of builders liens against the property.

"There is no reason why we couldn't look at it again when the market gets better," David said, noting the company would be looking for an investment partner to take on the "lion's share" of the costs.

View Royal council rescinded the development permit (DP) on Westmana's project July 21 after it became clear the site was inactive, said Lindsay Chase, director of development services.

"It's been a year since it was approved with no sort of sign it was going to move forward," she said.

With the DP revoked, the land holds the same zoning and offers a clean slate to any future developers in terms of building configuration and design, she said.

The site is now largely overtaken by plants and assorted garbage, including large piles of tires. The four-hectare property has drawn attention in the past as an access point for people living aboard vessels in Price Cove.

Weaver was reported to have paid individuals an undisclosed sum of money to pull anchor and move out, however, the vessels remain in the cove. While the property is supposed to be fenced, obviously they are still getting access to the dock there, said Coun. David Screech. There haven't been any complaints from residents within the last six months, however, the issue remains a concern.

"For the harbour in general there needs to be some rules and regulations put in place on maximum stays," he said. "It's definitely a concern."

reporter@goldstreamgazette.com