We’ve had quite a response to last week’s story about potential evictions and redevelopment at Emery Place in Lynn Valley. But much like the controversial Mountain Court redevelopment, this is yet another symptom of a larger structural problem. Our most affordable family housing across the North Shore is under threat of being converted into far more expensive condos.
The district’s council members and staff are hard at work developing an affordable housing strategy. But, thanks to the loss of provincial and federal incentives in the 1980s and ‘90s, there’s been virtually no new purpose built rental housing coming on the market in 30 years. It’s a gap municipalities can’t possibly fill on their own.
Market rates for new rentals being what they are and ownership being out of the question for average-income families, we risk seeing the North Shore becoming a citadel for the rich. It also means the people who work here having to hop in their cars and commute on a road network we already agree is beyond stressed.
We argue this is an unforeseen consequence of the district’s official community plan, which foresees almost all new development happening in and around the town centres. It’s sound urban planning but it’s also right smack dab where much of our older and most affordable rental units are sitting.
Perhaps it’s time for a new strategy, one that targets more affordable units being built where single-family homes now stand. This will come as sacrilege to those who love our suburban character but if we value keeping working families here, it’s something we must consider. OCPs are meant to help holistically address our social problems, not exacerbate them.
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