Dear Editor:
Re: Delbrook Affordable Housing Rejected, Nov. 21 front-page story.
I note the considerable outrage being expressed by many regarding the recent vote on the Delbrook Lands, and take exception to some of this rhetoric.
Firstly, this vote was a “setup” left behind by the previous council. Our new council has had no input on the project, except for the vote.
Secondly, Catalyst (the B.C.-based not-for-profit real estate developer whose proposal for the site was voted down 5-2 by council Nov. 19) is a relatively new player in development on the North Shore. They deserve to have an opportunity to work with our newly elected council to create more of the housing needs not yet addressed by previous approvals, and perhaps access some of the recently announced provincial and federal funds to do so. There are already many studio and one-bedroom units already in the pipeline, yet almost no three- or four-bedroom units suitable for families.
Third, Coun. Mathew Bond, who supported this and every other development in the last four years – this time saying “80 good units is better than zero perfect ones” – is the same person who raised his hand to demolish 61 aged but serviceable units in Lynn Valley.
Fourth, and this is important – B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has expressed concern regarding the amount and pace of development on the North Shore, i.e. our infrastructure is falling behind.
Two of the incumbent councillors have been trying to bring up this issue for quite some time, yet were consistently voted down to approve as much as possible before the election.
Once this project goes ahead, the race will be on to put together land assemblies to redevelop everything from the new recreation centre on Queens all the way to Lonsdale, and Westview from Highway 1 to Delbrook Centre.
Five councillors voted responsibly. They voted to slow the pace, ensure the existing community’s needs are being addressed, and to get the best proposals they can in exchange for our scarce district-owned lands.
As this was only the first vote and the first full meeting by this group, people need to give them a chance. Remember, they ran because they actually do care about this community and its residents.
Terry Wagner
Lynn Valley
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