Review of Vancouver's Joyce Collingwood plan worries residents
City says new plan would include housing for low-income residents
Residents in the area near Vancouver's Joyce Collingwood SkyTrain station are concerned about the city's plans to increase density in their neighbourhood.
The city is working on a precinct review that could include rezoning around the station to allow for condo towers up to 35 storeys, as well as townhouses.
Chanel Ly with the Joyce Area Residents Association said she's worried about how the potential changes will affect the neighbourhood's cheaper rental housing.
"The community is made up of a lot of immigrant, working-class families," said Ly.
"The redevelopment isn't meeting the needs of the neighbourhood, and we're concerned about displacement, unaffordability, and the consultation process not being authentic or thorough enough."
Ly said many people who can't afford rent increases or to buy new condos could be forced to relocate.
Kent Munro, one of Vancouver's head planners, said the point of the plan is to create more living spaces near the SkyTrain. He said if the plan is approved, it will include options for low-income people.
"We're also looking at a mix of housing types, not just market condos," he said. "We're exploring affordable forms of housing or rental housing."
Munro adds there will be relocation plans for residents whose homes are redeveloped.
He said the city is currently reviewing the community's feedback, and will make changes to the plan before presenting it to residents in the new year.