Broadway Plan Emerging Directions: Mount Pleasant

Hi Ren,

Thank you for your question. we haven't landed on specific heights and densities just yet. If you refer to page 51. in the emerging directions information boards by clicking here it'll give you a general sense about its future direction and priorities. For this area, we recognize that its residential and consists primarily of low-density ownership housing, such as single-family housing, duplexes or small multiple dwellings. However, there is a lack of affordable housing options. Rental housing generally comprises secondary rental units or units in multiple conversion dwellings. In terms of its future, early policy directions for the specific area directly north of Robson Park falls under 'Area A". Here we are considering "increased height and density for affordable housing (e.g. secured market and below-market rental apartments). "

I would encourage you to stay up to date with upcoming engagement opportunities this summer. We'll be coming out with general heights at a neighbourhood level (not site specific) this July. Lots of opportunity to help inform what this will look like in terms of heights and look of buildings (building forms and public realm framework).

 Best,

Andrew

Hello Sofia,

Thanks for your question. Through our engagement we’ve heard that folks appreciate the “fine-grained” narrow storefronts along many of the commercial streets in the Broadway Plan area, which contribute to pedestrian interest and the character of the street. Small commercial spaces can also be more affordable for smaller/independent businesses. Newer commercial spaces generally have higher lease rates compared to those in older commercial buildings. Through zoning regulations and design guidelines the frontage of commercial spaces can be required to be a certain width, so this can ensure new commercial spaces in mixed-use buildings are smaller. We will have more specifics around retail spaces and areas to encourage smaller/narrow storefronts in the next phases of the planning process.

Best regards,

The Broadway Planning Team

Hello, 

Thank you for your question. We know that this area of Mount Pleasant contains many older purpose-built rental apartments with relatively affordable rents. Maintaining these affordability levels, protecting renters, and ensuring these areas are inclusive going forward are important objectives for the Broadway Plan. We are exploring a range of options to meeting these objectives. 

 The idea of non-profit/government acquisitions of existing purpose-built rental properties is a new idea that has been championed by the non-profit housing sector. This approach has potential to help maintain current affordability, protect existing tenants, and expand the stock of non-market housing for the future. 

 Non-profit/government acquisition of older rental apartment buildings is still an idea in very early stages and would require significant partnerships with the non-profit housing sector, as well as senior levels of government. We’re interested in your input and perspective on what some of the potential impacts might be to the surrounding area.

Best regards,

The Broadway Planning Team

Thank you for your message and feedback. The most efficient way to make this type of signage request is to go through 3-1-1. Then we can make sure it gets processed properly. Thanks again.

The Broadway Planning Team

Hello,

It’s important to note that we are still early in the planning process - currently in Phase 2 of 4. At this point in the workplan, we haven't landed on specific heights and densities for any location. We will be engaging on that during Phase 3 and Phase 4 of the work plan later this spring. At this stage of the plan, we are beginning to think about how different areas may grow and change at a neighbourhood level. Specific heights/densities will come out later in Phase 3/4.

The early policy directions that were introduced during this phase introduce prioritizing protection of existing rental housing, enable existing renters to remain in their neighbourhoods, and create opportunities for new affordable homes. If you are interested in diving into the details, I would encourage you to  click here and view the Emerging Directions boards for housing on page 54-58 

Thank you for your interest in the Broadway Plan,

Andrew

Hello 604g,

The Broadway planning program takes a neighbourhood-based approach to planning for the area, recognizing the unique qualities and community needs of Kitsilano, Fairview, and Mount Pleasant (including False Creek Flats). Eighteen neighbourhood sub-areas were identified based on the character areas and the local planning priorities identified through  community engagement, city-wide objectives and technical work. Mount Pleasant North has been identified as one of these subareas based on this information and it allows us to provide a more neighbourhood specific/tailored approach to its long term future.

Hope this helps answer your question,

Andrew

Hello Kaypea,

I'm not familiar with your building or situation. The best advice I have for your is to contact the Tenant Resource  and Advisory Centre. They could provide you with helpful advice about what your rights are as a tenant and answer process questions specific to evictions. Their contact information can be found on this website: https://tenants.bc.ca/ 

Andrew

Hello HouseDavid,

It sounds like the real estate broker isn't informed. We are still at the very early stages of the plan and have a lot of engagement to do with the community. We still have to engage with the public about future zoning like heights or densities. No final decisions will be made until we do more engagement and submit the draft plan to Council at the end of the year.

I hope this answers your question. If you would like more information please email us at broadwayplan@vancouver.ca. 

Andrew