The City of North Vancouver’s first attempt at a virtual public hearing resulted in some real-world decisions Monday night, with council unanimously voting to advance a proposal for a rental development in Upper Lonsdale.
Despite some technical hiccups, seven members of the public called into the meeting to have their say on Cascadia Green Development’s proposed 64-unit building located at 2540-2590 Lonsdale Ave.
The proposal would see the demolition of two adjacent 1950s-era apartment buildings located just north of Highway 1 on Lonsdale. These would be replaced with a five-storey all-rental building.
The proposal was well received by council when it passed first reading on May 11, and that positive reception continued during Monday’s public hearing – the first such meeting held by the city in the COVID-19 era.
Noting her childhood days spent delivering copies of the North Shore News in the Upper Lonsdale neighbourhood where she grew up, Mayor Linda Buchanan observed that the two apartments on the proposed site, which together contain 25 units total, hadn’t changed at all since that time.
The proposed development would be a welcome addition to the area, said Buchanan.
“It does give us much-needed purpose rental,” she said.
Of the 64 proposed rental units, 30 would be studio apartments, 16 one-bedrooms, 11 two-bedrooms, and seven are set to become three-bedrooms.
Seven units are earmarked to be offered at 10 per cent below market rates in perpetuity, according to Cascadia.
The building would include 42 vehicle parking spaces and 96 spaces for bicycles.
While acknowledging concerns from some speakers that the proposed development would increase vehicle traffic and laneway congestion in the area, councillors agreed the proposal added much needed rental stock to the city. They also complimented proposed building amenities such as a rooftop patio, green space and children’s play area.
In a presentation to council, staff also highlighted the development would be close to public transit, as well as services such as Harry Jerome rec centre, Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre, and other commercial businesses along Lonsdale.
“Amidst the COVID crisis, I sometimes think we forget we’re in the middle of a housing crisis,” said Coun. Tony Valente.
While residents at the current apartments will be given the first opportunity to sign leases once the new building is complete, council asked for more clarity concerning the fate of the existing tenants who don’t stay.
Although there’s currently a provincial moratorium on eviction notices due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Christine Van Tol, who has lived in her apartment at 2590 Lonsdale Ave. since 1999, acknowledged the two buildings on the site were likely past their useful lifecycles, but told council she was worried about finding another place in the community if the proposal went ahead.
“We know they’re old. We understand that. Our biggest concern right now is about our relocation,” said Van Tol, who purported to speak for other residents in the buildings.
The current tenants are entitled to four months’ notice before demolition, as well as three months of free rent and moving expenses, according to Cascadia.
Under the city’s tenant relocation strategy, the developer would have to help current tenants find housing in comparable rental units elsewhere in the municipality at not more than 10 per cent above the city’s average rent for a unit of the same size.
“I think it’s being addressed in a responsible way here, so I’m hopeful that all the tenants will be able to stay in North Vancouver City,” said Coun. Don Bell.
Council still has to give the project final approval before it can proceed.
