Six-unit duplex project proposed for West Van's Glenmore Drive

West Vancouver council moved forward recently on two projects aimed at creating more “gentle density” in single-family neighbourhoods.

The first project, which will go to public hearing on June 17, is for a six-unit duplex development at 14 Glenmore Drive. Each of the units would be about 3,800 square feet in size.

The site, next to Collingwood School’s Morven campus in the British Properties, is currently home to an older two-storey fourplex built in 1959, according to a staff report, while the surrounding area includes both single-family homes and duplexes.

Sterling Pacific Developments Inc. is proposing to build three two-storey duplex buildings facing Glenmore Drive with a new laneway at the back of the property.

The project would include two parking stalls per unit, plus three visitor stalls.

An initial plan to include secondary suites was removed after neighbours voiced concerns, according to district staff, although they noted owners could still apply to add suites later.

In a separate decision, May 13, council voted to move forward on a request to subdivide a single-family lot at 2550 Queens Ave. to allow for the building of two homes on the property.

The subdivision will create two lots significantly smaller than the existing minimum lot size in the neighbourhood, a staff report noted, describing the immediate Dundarave neighbourhood as containing mostly smaller single-family homes built in the 1940s and 1950s.

The proposal is to build two new houses of about 3,300 square feet each on the property.

District staff recommended rejecting the proposal, noting the resulting lots would not be in keeping with the surrounding neighbourhood. They suggested a duplex project or a coach house instead.

Council members were split on the issue, with Coun. Scott Snider saying that trying to “gently densify” an aging neighbourhood doesn’t set a bad example.

Coun. Nora Gambioli said she was torn. Gentle density is a good idea, she said, “but for me the proposed buildings are just way too big.” Gambioli said she would vote to have the plan come back to council but warned proponents they were “pushing the envelope.”

Coun. Cassidy said the plan is trying to “cram in” too much building on the lot. “You’ll be able to probably put your hand out the window and exchange a bar of soap between the bathrooms,” she said.

The majority of council voted to have staff prepare bylaws for further consideration.

Editor's note: an earlier version of this story stated the public hearing for the Glenmore project is June 4. This is incorrect.