Any member of North Shore Rescue could tell you, when there’s a crisis, there’s not a moment to lose. But try explaining that to members of West Vancouver council.
Council spent $16 million buying the former Vancouver Coastal Health property on Gordon Avenue in 2014 with the intention of building affordable housing on the site. But only this week have they debuted plans for the 170 below-market rental units.
It is not news to members of council that theirs is the most expensive municipality in which to establish a home. Three-quarters of West Vancouver’s employees have to commute from outside the district, most of them in cars. A third of the school district’s children commute in. Businesses can’t find and retain employees. Most of the district’s first responders live off the North Shore, exactly where we don’t want them when an earthquake hits.
People renting the new units can expect to pay about 70 per cent of the market rate. But rental rates have been skyrocketing in recent years. It’s beyond frustrating to think how much more affordable these homes would be had it not been for the district’s distinguished dithering.
When this project eventually comes up for rezoning, it should be prioritized by district council and staff, even if it means putting other projects on hold. Mayor Michael Smith says the four-and-a-half-year delay was, in part, because the district wants to get the project “right.” The right housing is built housing.
When it comes to affordable housing, we say to the current and future members of council: Get. On. With. It. Show the same level of urgency North Shore Rescue does.
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