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It's Tuesday night in #NorthVan and it's time for your irregularly scheduled public hearing.
Will there be a presentation from the concerned residents association? Will the applicant "stack" the room? The action, the suspense, the drama, the laughter, the tears!
Will there be a presentation from the concerned residents association? Will the applicant "stack" the room? The action, the suspense, the drama, the laughter, the tears!
Pull up your favourite chair, your favourite public hearing board game and tune in live to find out what happens next! https://app.dnv.org/councillive/
This public hearing is for 220 Mountain Hwy. It is the last assembly on Oxford Street beside Phibbs Exchange. Proposed is a six story building with 140 rental homes, 6 of them being non-market. https://www.dnv.org/building-development/220-mountain-highway-1515-1555-oxford-street
The applicant chose to provide fewer non-market rental homes at a greater subsidy (compared to more non-market with less subsidy). Proposed rents for these homes are $1000 for a studio and $1200 for a 1 bedroom.
The applicant is proposing that the non-market units be prioritized for people with a disability. The non-market studio and 2 of the one-bedrooms will be built to enhanced accessibility guidelines.
Both a parking minimum and maximum are proposed. Given that the building is rental and adjacent Phibbs Exchange, the parking ratio is low. Bike parking will include charging for ebikes and space for larger bikes (cargo) and strollers.
The applicant is presenting on their commitment to making the building a community. Two amenity spaces for co-working, multi-purpose and a rooftop deck.
The heating systems proposed achieve our new regulations to reduce GHG emissions.
Speakers are up now! First speaker moved to the neighbourhood three years ago from Victoria to work at CapU. Loves the area but it was really hard for him and other renters to find a home in a convenient location. So build more! 
Next speaker supports the changes in the neighbourhood, more homes in a convenient location. More rental is needed and this is a great project.
Speaker 3 has lived on the North Shore for 14 years and has seen a lot of negative change.
Most of our neighbourhoods are no longer available to households of moderate incomes. Likes the addition of density and these rental homes are needed for diversity in our community.
Most of our neighbourhoods are no longer available to households of moderate incomes. Likes the addition of density and these rental homes are needed for diversity in our community.
Speaker 4 lives in the current home at 220 Mountain Hwy. Moved to North Vancouver about a year ago. Doesn't drive and transit is great in this location. Should be more homes to rent in this location.
Speaker 5 says we need more density and rental. Works at LGH. It's difficult to attract & retain staff because of the lack of housing. Had a nanny who lived with them for three months after her contract ended and couldn't find another place to live & had to move back home.
Speaker 6 is MIA.
Speaker 7 speaks to their experience as an executive director as a non-profit. Rental is needed and the non-market, accessible homes are a bonus.
Speaker 8 says that these types of projects will help the next generations have the opportunity to live here. This is a benefit to everyone.
Speaker 6 has solved their mute issue. We need more rental in North Van. This is a great location because of the transportation access. Notes the applicants attention to sustainability and how to foster community in the building.
I had a hard time following Speaker 9, but they were in support.
Speaker 10 is Corrie Kost and is having technical difficulties.
Speaker 11 moved to North Van 11 years ago. Highlights the challenge of renting here, especially with kids. Had to move 6-7 times because the homes they rented were sold, etc. Worked in school and the service industry and challenging to find staff.
Speaker 12 lives/grew up in Blueridge. Is a realtor & property manager. Has two clients who purchased apartments in Lynn Creek as an investment and downsizer, but now have their kids living in them since they couldn't find somewhere to live. Need more density & rental.
Speaker 10, Corrie Kost has mostly solved his technical issues. He's emailed his presentation to Council and is reading from it so I will include it here.
Speaker 13 has lived here & worked in film since 1997. There are 3 studios within 10 minutes of this location. People on his crew are always looking for a place to rent, so we need more. Even asks those on his crew who own homes to rent out their suites to others on the crew.
Speaker 14 finished school in 2000 and rented a 1 bed in North Van. Climbed the property ladder and now 20 years later owns a home. Is grateful for the opportunity to build a life here and wants others to have the same! This building would be that opportunity for many.
Speaker 15 is totally inspired by the development plans for the Lynn Creek. Has a suite in their home and was overwhelmed with interest the last time they advertised. Rented to a young professional couple who work here, want to stay here and were challenged to find housing.
Speaker 16 is Don Peters representing the Community Housing Action Committee. Lists the details of the project and that the committee has reviewed and supports.
Speaker 17 is @PeterTeevan who presents an analysis on parking based on an ICBC FOI request of the existing rental building next door. This was presented at a previous hearing https://twitter.com/mrmathewbond/status/1326383054965907458?s=20
We have a phone speaker (#18). Requests for conduits for future solar to be included in the project. Wishes the project was 100% electric. Requests an embodied carbon analysis and low carbon concrete.
We have another phone speaker (#19). Pleased to see the low emissions mechanical systems. Speaks to the embodied carbon in the project and in construction generally.
A couple of questions to staff from Council
Q: Should the electric vehicle charging stations be updated? A: Current policy is 20% wired for Level 1 charging with 100% of stalls with conduit in place. This proposal complies.
Q: Should the electric vehicle charging stations be updated? A: Current policy is 20% wired for Level 1 charging with 100% of stalls with conduit in place. This proposal complies.
Q: Please comment on phasing based on existing approved rezoning.
A: Applicant has advised that they would start construction late 2021. Creekstone across the street would be complete by then, along with all the highway work. Adera across the street would be done by spring 2022
A: Applicant has advised that they would start construction late 2021. Creekstone across the street would be complete by then, along with all the highway work. Adera across the street would be done by spring 2022
Speaker 17 is back for two more rounds of five minutes. Thankfully they have also emailed Council their speaking notes so I will include them here. Part one is the parking analysis.
Part 2 is comments on rental only zoning and rental economics including GST. Part 3 is questions on the operational cost to tenants. Part 4 is about COVID safety in multifamily. Part 5 is about the OCP amendment.
Some more questions to staff:
Q: Explain the proposed change from RES6 to CRMU in the OCP designation.
A: CRMU allows all residential, all commercial or a mix of both at the FSR proposed for this project. The other projects in the area have the same designation.
Q: Explain the proposed change from RES6 to CRMU in the OCP designation.
A: CRMU allows all residential, all commercial or a mix of both at the FSR proposed for this project. The other projects in the area have the same designation.
Corrie Kost also finished reading his speaking notes in a second time. In his third time, asks for a complete technical review of the Zoom system since he had many connection issues. The clerk advised that they will arrange a practice session with him to address his issues.
We're on to the role call, asking if anyone wants to speak a first, second or third time.
There's a motion to close the public hearing and return it to Council for consideration.
There's a motion to close the public hearing and return it to Council for consideration.
The hearing is now closed. Council is no longer permitted to hear any new information with respect to this application. Will be back at a regular meeting in the new year for a decision.
