Vancouver City Council has approved the Grandview-Woodland community plan despite pushback from some residents.
According to a city press release, the plan, approved July 28, will “protect and increase rental homes, improve community amenities and preserve the unique vibe of Commercial Drive.
Members of the Grandview-Woodland Area Council expressed concerns about both the details of plan as well as a lack of community feedback incorporated into the final draft.
“Renters were particularly fearful of losing both their homes and their communities as a result of demolitions leading to new buildings that will rent at 50% to 100% higher rates than current neighbourhood averages,” the advocacy group stated in a press release.
In the press release announcing the plan, the City of Vancouver highlighted the community’s participation.
“The plan is the result of four years of community engagement including 85 open houses, workshops meetings and walking tours, 2,500 survey responses and Vancouver’s first Citizens’ Assembly,” the release said.
According to the city, the plan was created in an attempt to reverse a population decline within the community. Over the past three census periods the population in the area has fallen by 2,000 people, with the number children under age nine decreasing by 35%.
With the plan in place, the city anticipates that the population will increase by 29%, going from 34,000 in 2011 to 43,500 in 2041. It predicts that jobs will increase by 4%, rising from 15,500 to 16,100, between 2011 and 2041.
The city’s plan aims to add 7,150 units of housing. The city wants to maintain the mix of housing types while adding family suitable housing including duplexes and townhouses. The city intends to create 4,350 affordable ownership homes, 1,400 new rental homes and 1,400 social, supportive and co-op homes. The plan also adds 32 child care facilities as well as hundreds of full-time and part-time child care spaces.
Residents were also concerned that no new park space was being added. Critics noted that building heights went beyond residents’ recommendations, which could worsen traffic congestion.
