A proposed Mountain Highway development would help the North Shore’s housing shortage – but it might also chase out a tech company in the process.
District of North Vancouver council recently split on sending the six-storey, 63-unit, mixed-use project to public hearing later this year.
The site is currently occupied by Northwest Mettech Corporation, a tech company that strengthens industrial and aerospace components with thermal spray technology. Mettech’s lease expired in June.
“I think we continue to degrade our industrial property by allowing residential redevelopments,” said Coun. Lisa Muri, who voted against the development.
Mettech currently occupies approximately 9,600 square feet. The new proposal includes six commercial units totalling approximately 5,600 square feet.
While the project meets the district’s aims of augmenting housing diversity, Muri argued the municipality didn’t consider the loss of industrial property when drafting the official community plan.
“The net loss of commercial and industrial properties was never on the table and never considered in the Lower Lynn area,” she said.
Coun. Roger Bassam admonished Muri, suggesting that denying the public the right to debate the proposal was “very anti-democratic.”
“I’m very disappointed that we’re now – almost routinely – based on philosophical objection to development, saying we don’t want to have first readings and public hearings.”
Mayor Richard Walton echoed Bassam’s comments.
“I’m very concerned with the message we send out to the development community when something comes forward … that is consistent with our OCP and we don’t go to first reading,” said Walton.
Council has denied several rezoning proposals the right to go to public hearing, Muri countered.
“Why waste the applicant’s money and time on detailed submissions and drawings when there was a split on council?” she asked.
The new proposal, which offers a mix of one- two- and three-bedroom units is the best fit for 467 Mountain Hwy., according to Coun. Robin Hicks.
“This whole area is ideal for modern, clean industries, integrated with housing and apartments,” he said.
While there was some uncertainty among council and staff about exactly what thermal spray technology is, Coun. Doug MacKay-Dunn opposed the rezoning.
“I’m concerned that if we lose these people, I think we’ll never get them back.”
Coun. Jim Hanson agreed.
Businesses such as Mettech benefit the economy while helping the District of North Vancouver, “have a complete community whereby people can stay on the North Shore and do business and work,” Hanson said.
Council voted 4-3 to send the project to public hearing with Muri, MacKay-Dunn and Hanson opposed. Bassam, Walton, Hicks and Coun. Mathew Bond voted in favour.
If the project is ultimately approved, the developer will have to pay the district a density bonus of $705,000. The project’s floor space ratio – which measures the building’s total floor space against the size of its lot – would be 3.5.
The project’s approval would also mean new sidewalks and a bike lane along Mountain Highway.
Five of the commercial units would be accessed off Mountain Highway while the building’s lobby and one commercial property would be accessed off Charlotte Road.
A report commissioned by the developer projected the mid-rise building would create another 33 trips during the morning rush hour and an extra 54 trips in the evening commute.
