Public Hearing – November 16th, 2023
Two years ago, dozens of letters flooded city council as supporters and opponents of a six floor rental application on Arbutus Street clashed over their community’s future. Yet on today’s agenda Item #1, a five floor rental building on the block directly to the north has barely drawn a peep. Perhaps some simply grew disillusioned, or maybe they feel comfortable knowing the passage of the Secured Rental Policy means they can transform their own homes in the same way.
Whether a comparable response greets Item #2 is far from certain, as last month a similar proposal next door angered one neighbour so much that they paid Chuck Brook to help ensure its rejection. To see one of Vancouver’s most well known development consultants use his talents, and connections to lobby against a five floor rental building left Hannah and I speechless. Unsurprisingly, his actions have spurred hundred of letters, though not in the way he hoped for.
Backlash Expectations
Item #1 – 3529-3589 Arbutus St and 2106 West 19th Ave – Very Low
Things seem to have calmed down in the two years since a taller building was approved across the road
Item #2 – 6065-6075 Collingwood Place – Low
A last minute concession from city staff should avert a repeat of last month’s outcry
Item #1 – 3529-3589 Arbutus St and 2106 West 19th Ave – Very Low
What is it?:
This is a five floor rental building whose general shape, and size were prescribed by the Secured Rental Policy. If approved, a more detailed concept will be reviewed at the development permit stage.
Where is it?:
Here, across from two previously approved six floor buildings, and parallel to the Arbutus Greenway. It’s a five minute walk to the local City Market that replaced the Varsity Bowling lanes and Ridge Theatre.
What will it contribute to the community?:
It will pay a ~$2.8 million levy to improve civic infrastructure (pg 9), like making the road crossings with the Arbutus Greenway a little bit safer.
What was the open house like?:
There were three questions at this virtual event that essentially asked how the community could accommodate these new homes without more stores, schools, and places for people to park their cars.
What are its strengths/weaknesses?:
At this stage, any positives or negatives relate purely to its location, the type of housing being provided, or other matters governed by the Secured Rental Policy.
What is the opposition like?:
The public hearing for the buildings across the street drew over 70 letters, and 14 speakers in opposition in 2021 (pg 10). This time there’s only been a single letter opposed so far, so they’re either biding their time, or more likely have had a change of heart.
Want to speak up?:
You can submit your comments using this online form, or register to speak by phone, or in-person, here.
Item #2 – 6065-6075 Collingwood Place – Low
What is it?:
This is a five floor rental building whose general shape, and size were prescribed by the Secured Rental Policy. If approved, a more detailed concept will be reviewed at the development permit stage. That said, new provincial legislation would allow for a 12 floor building on this site without requiring this process.
Where is it?:
Here, basically next door to a similar application city council approved last month, and about a ten minute walk from the Dunbar Loop, as well as the local Save-On-Foods.
What will it contribute to the community?:
A ~$2 million payment will be made to the city to upgrade infrastructure like sewers, or the public pedestrian pathway that connects this cul-de-sac to Dunbar Street (pg 9).
What was the open house like?:
There were two questions at this online event, both of which focused on how this building’s underground parkade would impact the cul-de-sac it backs onto. The answer is it won’t as city staff are requiring it to be accessed from West 44th Avenue.
What are its strengths/weaknesses?:
At this stage, any positives or negatives relate purely to its location, the type of housing being provided, or other matters governed by the Secured Rental Policy.
What is the opposition like?:
They’re obviously quite affluent, but are badly out numbered as despite the objections of a paid professional lobbyist, the local block watch captain, and five others, over 210 people have written in to support these homes.
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 
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