Activists who oppose higher towers downtown are now getting some pushback from downtown merchants who want to see taller towers.
This comes in the lead-up to the January 20 city council vote on whether to raise maximum height restrictions on various downtown sites.
“[Taller towers] will be great for the neighbourhood,” said Marquis Wine Cellars owner John Clerides.
He is excited by the prospect of more density near his wine store, which primarily serves people in the neighbourhood.
Essentially, density is good for business, Clerides argues.
This counters activists, such as West End Neighbours Association member Randy Helten, who argue higher towers will block view corridors. Helten told Business in Vancouver city staff have spent little time reflecting on whether social infrastructure, such as schools and daycare centres, are sufficient to handle the added density. (See “Taller buildings raising city citizens’ ire” – issue 1104; December 21-27.)
“The level of mistrust [between city hall and residents] is enormous,” Helten said.
“Every new action coming out of city hall regarding major policies and rezoning and development applications is reinforcing that level of mistrust.”