Foothills Lantzville: A Premier Master-Planned Community Rises on Vancouver Island

After more than a decade of perseverance and strategic development, the much-anticipated 1,838-acre Foothills development in Lantzville, British Columbia, is finally ready to welcome its first residents. Situated at the picturesque midpoint of Vancouver Island, this expansive master-planned community now offers prime building lots, presenting an unparalleled opportunity for those seeking an exceptional lifestyle amidst nature’s splendor.

Ben Hurlbutt, director of sales and marketing for Storm Mountain Development Corporation, the visionary developer behind Foothills, confirms the exciting progress. “We anticipate sales commencing shortly for Phase 1, which features 71 meticulously prepared building lots available for purchase.” This initial offering marks a pivotal moment for a project poised to redefine upscale living on Vancouver Island. The ambitious master plan envisions a decade-long build-out, culminating in approximately 730 homes seamlessly integrated into the landscape.

A cornerstone of the Foothills development’s commitment to community and environment is the dedication of an astonishing 900 acres to a permanent public park. This significant concession to the District of Lantzville underscores a shared vision for preserving natural beauty and providing residents with immediate access to vast recreational spaces, setting Foothills apart as a truly unique offering in the British Columbia real estate market.

From Setback to Success: The Resilient Journey of Foothills

The path to realizing the Foothills dream has been one of remarkable resilience. The project’s initial trajectory encountered a significant hurdle when the original developer, despite a substantial $13 million investment in foundational infrastructure, succumbed to the economic downturn of 2008. The construction market’s struggles led to the project’s unfortunate stalling, eventually resulting in bankruptcy and receivership.

Emerging from this period of economic challenge, Storm Mountain Development Corporation was founded in 2012 with a clear objective: to identify and capitalize on strategic opportunities in a recovering marketplace. The acquisition of Foothills became one of six planned communities the company set its sights on across British Columbia. Storm Mountain, headquartered in Alberta, is backed by a “global private investment management firm,” as highlighted on their official website, providing robust financial and strategic depth to their ventures. Spearheading this formidable team is CEO Allard Ockeloen, a resident of British Columbia’s Bowen Island, whose local insight and leadership have been instrumental in steering the Foothills project towards its current success.

Through its subsidiary, Lone Tree Properties, Storm Mountain successfully acquired the Foothills property in 2014, breathing new life into a project with immense potential. This strategic acquisition marked the beginning of a renewed vision, focused on sustainable development, community integration, and delivering on the promise of exceptional living.

Lantzville: A Community of Charm and Connection

The Foothills development is strategically positioned within the charming, close-knit community of Lantzville. Located approximately 16.6 kilometers north of Nanaimo, affectionately known as the “Harbour City,” Lantzville offers the perfect blend of serene village life and convenient access to urban amenities. Nanaimo, with a population exceeding 90,000, serves as a vital hub on Vancouver Island, providing extensive shopping, dining, entertainment, and transportation options.

Foothills itself is nestled within Lantzville’s southern border, merely a five-minute drive from the heart of the downtown area. Lantzville’s total land area spans 6,886 acres, currently supporting a population of approximately 3,800 residents. Ben Hurlbutt projects that the full build-out of the Foothills development will introduce more than 2,000 new residents to the area, significantly contributing to the community’s growth and vibrancy while maintaining its unique character.

The unparalleled natural setting is undoubtedly one of Foothills’ most compelling attributes. The development’s close proximity to the glistening Pacific Ocean, coupled with the vast 900 acres permanently designated as parkland, creates an irresistible appeal. “With the expansive park and the diverse recreational opportunities within the area, residents are presented with a truly unique chance to invest in a development where they can craft an extraordinary home,” remarks Hurlbutt. He emphasizes that the region’s rugged beauty will particularly attract outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers, avid rock climbers, and mountain bikers, drawing a parallel to the way Vancouverites cherish their iconic Stanley Park. Adding to the allure, the elevated bluff upon which Foothills is sited provides homeowners with breathtaking, panoramic ocean views, a coveted feature that enhances the sense of tranquility and luxury.

Overcoming Challenges: Infrastructure and Sustainability at the Forefront

One of the most significant challenges encountered by previous developers involved securing an adequate water supply for the expansive community. Storm Mountain Development Corporation tackled this critical issue head-on. Through diligent effort and innovative solutions, they successfully identified and secured a well-water supply that met the stringent requirements of the District of Lantzville. This breakthrough enabled the district to grant consent for the construction of the initial 103 homes, a crucial step that propelled the first phase of the development forward.

While this initial water source addresses the immediate needs of Phase 1, Storm Mountain is actively exploring and planning for additional water sources to support the subsequent phases of the development, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to sustainable growth. Hurlbutt notes that, under the agreement established with the district, the newly implemented water system will fall under the district’s jurisdiction, ensuring long-term oversight and reliability for all residents.

Storm Mountain’s strategic advantage also lies in its ability to capitalize on the substantial infrastructure investments made by the project’s original developer. The initial $13 million expenditure laid the groundwork, including essential access roads that lead into the site, where today, individual lots are clearly marked and prepared for prospective buyers. “Currently, there are well-established rough roads,” Hurlbutt explains, referring to the network of gravel and logging roads that traverse the development, providing essential access throughout the property.

Once initial sales have concluded and the standard 10 percent deposits from buyers have been secured, Storm Mountain will embark on the next crucial phase of infrastructure development. This includes the comprehensive installation of water, sewer, and electrical services, alongside the paving of all roadways within the community. An estimated $25 million is slated for investment in these critical infrastructure enhancements over the coming year. Upon the completion of this extensive infrastructure work, new home construction within the first phase will commence, bringing the vision of Foothills Lantzville to life. The available lots in Phase 1 offer generous sizing, ranging from approximately 0.25 acres to a full acre on average, with most properties competitively priced in the $300,000 range, representing exceptional value for such a prestigious location.

Transparency and buyer confidence are paramount for Storm Mountain. Hurlbutt assures prospective buyers that all 10 percent deposits will be securely held in trust. In the unlikely event that the developer does not fulfill the terms and conditions outlined in the purchase contract, these funds will be promptly returned, offering buyers complete peace of mind.

A Vision for the Future: Phased Growth and Economic Impact

The Foothills development is designed for progressive growth, with plans envisioning five or more distinct phases as the community gradually builds out. A particularly exciting aspect of the master plan includes a future mixed-use development phase. This innovative component will integrate commercial outlets and state-of-the-art recreational facilities, creating a vibrant hub that serves the needs and enhances the lifestyle of Foothills residents and the wider Lantzville community.

Beyond individual homeownership, the Foothills project is projected to deliver a substantial economic boost to the region. Hurlbutt estimates that the new development will generate over half a billion dollars through direct investment, robust construction activities, and significant job creation. This multifaceted impact underscores Foothills’ role as not just a residential community, but a vital economic engine for Lantzville and Vancouver Island.

Storm Mountain Development Corporation is committed to fostering strong relationships within the real estate industry. The company actively collaborates with real estate professionals, offering competitive commissions to those who facilitate sales. While buyers have the convenience of registering online, a dedicated platform is also available for real estate salespeople to register their clients, streamlining the sales process. For out-of-province salespeople, innovative tools like Google Earth can be effectively utilized to showcase the development’s stunning location and surrounding area to prospective clients, bridging geographical distances with immersive visual experiences.

Addressing potential concerns arising from the project’s past, Hurlbutt provides clear reassurance: although the project was previously in receivership under its former developer, there are absolutely no lingering liens or any other legal encumbrances attached to any of the properties or titles currently being offered for sale. He confirms that Storm Mountain Development is diligently meeting all requirements stipulated by the District of Lantzville for obtaining development permits, ensuring a smooth and legally sound acquisition process for every homeowner.

For those interested in delving deeper into the specifics of the development agreements and other pertinent information regarding Foothills, comprehensive details are readily accessible on the District of Lantzville’s official website: www.lantzville.ca. Further information, including insights into the unique lifestyle offered at Foothills, can be found on the development’s dedicated website: foothillslifestyle.com. Discover the opportunity to be part of a vibrant, sustainable, and truly exceptional community on Vancouver Island.