Mosaic’s new Emery Village complex will add a lot to Lynn Valley: stratas, rentals and taller buildings. It promises to build a new community while supplying the District of North Vancouver with nearly $12 million.
The project would be nearly unassailable if not for what it was taking away: the community that was already there.
A few of the families who called Emery Place home might afford a spot in the new development or find commensurate rental nearby. But if our vacancy rates are any indication, most will be exiled, perhaps joining that long line of gridlock leading off of the North Shore every afternoon.
What happened Monday was the culmination of a series of decisions intended to champion growth and change while shielding the municipality’s single-family neighbourhoods from change or growth.
Those on council who supported the development noted the project’s consistency with the district’s official community plan.
The OCP relentlessly emphasizes affordability and inclusivity but we note that in 322 pages the word “expendable” does not appear once.
Some councillors also noted that, as landlords, Mosaic could renovate the affordability out of the existing apartments and renovict at any time.
It’s expected that a developer will advocate for their development above all else. But it’s up to our elected representatives to calculate the human cost.
We hope council calculated correctly. And we hope the community that’s coming to Lynn Valley is as good as the one we’re losing.
What are your thoughts? Send us a letter via email by clicking here or post a comment below.
