Public Hearing – March 7th, 2023
In hindsight, perhaps Hannah and I could have consolidated this post with our coverage of the other public hearing scheduled later this week. Certainly Item #1 shouldn’t take up much time, as this text amendment serves to correct a few spelling, and grammar errors in previously-approved city bylaws. Item #2 will likely go overlooked as well, since it will only alter the interior of the West End’s heritage Rand House by merging its four existing homes into three dwellings.
Conversely, Item #3 seeks to transform two single-family homes at West 45 Avenue and Granville into a five floor rental building, and Item #4 hopes to do something similar a few blocks north. This has led one individual to demand protection from the VPD, despite city council’s approval of a taller senior’s care home adjacent to the former item last month. Still this single letter doesn’t seem to represent the neighbourhood’s muted reaction to welcoming homes for healthcare staff.
Backlash Expectations
Item #3 – 1522 West 45th Avenue & 6137 Granville Street – Very Low
Last month’s approval of a larger proposal next door drew little interest.
Item #4 – 5828-5850 Granville Street – Very Low
It’s closer to the local gas station, but the opinions aired here are more pleasant.
Item #3 – 1522 West 45th Avenue & 6137 Granville Street – Very Low
What is it?:
This is a five floor rental building whose general shape was prescribed by the Secured Rental Policy. If approved, a finer detailed version will be reviewed at the development permit stage.
Where is it?:
Here, next door to a recently approved six floor senior’s care centre that will occupy the rest of this block of single-family homes, which were collectively valued at $38.5 million.
What will it contribute to the community?:
It will pay ~$1.9 million in levies to upgrade civic infrastructure, like traffic lights, or sewers (pg 9).
What was the open house like?:
This virtual event showcased the ignorance of one person who feared these market rental homes would bring “transients,” require more frequent VPD patrols, and eventually force them from their home.
What is the opposition like?:
Undeterred by the results of last month’s public hearing, one individual echoed the remarks expressed at the open house, noting this will ruin the feel, look, and property value of their neighbourhood.
Want to speak up?:
You can submit your comments using this online form, or register to speak by phone, or in-person, here.
Item #4 – 5828-5850 Granville Street – Very Low
What is it?:
This is another five floor rental building whose general shape was prescribed by the Secured Rental Policy. If approved, a finer detailed version will be reviewed at the development permit stage.
Where is it?:
Here, a couple blocks north of the previous item, on the block southeast of the Granville Street, and West 41st Avenue intersection.
What will it contribute to the community?:
As this project’s site is slightly smaller than the prior item, it will only pay $1.8 million in fees that will be used to upgrade civic infrastructure, like traffic lights, or sewers (pg 8).
What was the open house like?:
None of the 451 households notified within a two block radius of this virtual event cared enough to ask a single question (pg 21).
What is the opposition like?:
A trio of comments regarding increased vehicle traffic along the laneway shows the previous prejudice expressed towards renters doesn’t reflect the majority those in this neighbourhood (pg 23).
Want to speak up?:
You can submit your comments using this online form, or register to speak by phone, or in-person, here.
City Duo 