Frequently asked questions
Why is the City reviewing this area now, with two community plans already in place?
The Marpole Community Plan and the Cambie Corridor Plan both envision Marine Landing as a vibrant urban hub with a mix of retail, residential and industrial uses. The Marpole Community Plan designates several sites close to the Marine Drive Station for affordable housing. In 2020, Council approved policy changes through the Ashley Mar Issues Report to support greater heights and densities on these sites to help with project viability required to deliver much-needed affordable housing for low and moderate-income households in Marpole. Both community plans also contain land-use policies for intensive employment sites to support high-intensity employment uses close to transit. Through the Employment Lands and Economy Review in 2020, Council supported further intensification of job space in Marine Landing subject to proposals including multi-storey light industrial uses.
Are the entire Marpole and Cambie Plans being updated?
No. Policy changes to allow greater heights and/or densities are limited to sites designated for social housing under the Marpole Community Plan and intensive employment sites under both the Marpole Community Plan and Cambie Corridor Plan based on recent new Council directions. However, in addition to new built-form guidelines developed to inform sites deviating from the Council-adopted community plans, the area analysis also identifies updated priorities for the broader Marine Landing area relating to several key topics. These include an updated public realm plan, archaeological and heritage management guidelines, transportation and utilities network improvements, and clarification on public benefits priorities. The new guidelines will apply to any sites within the broader Marine Landing area, although the built form section will only apply to affordable housing and intensive employment sites that are affected by Council policy changes
Why are heights beyond those approved in the Marpole Plan being considered for social housing sites?
Additional heights and densities are often required to support the creation of new non-profit social and co-op housing, and purpose-built market rental housing to meet the objectives of the Marpole Community Plan and the Housing Vancouver Strategy. Additional density can also facilitate the renewal of existing social and co-op housing sites in the area and support new rental housing with units affordable to moderate-income households. Opportunities for new rental, social, and co-op housing are supported by proximity to high-quality rapid transit and a range of existing services in walkable community hubs such as Marine Landing.
How will the City ensure that there are sufficient amenities like parks and childcare to support new residents and workers?
The Marine Landing review builds on the vision, principles, and policies in the Marpole Community Plan and the Cambie Corridor Public Realm Plan, as well as various other key City and Park Board plans and strategies applicable to this area (e.g. VanPlay, Coastal Adaptation Plan, RainCity Strategy). The focus in Marine Landing is on creating incremental change through an interconnected network of smaller, green spaces linked to high-quality walking and cycling connections that support a more livable, healthy, and resilient neighbourhood adjacent to the Fraser River.
Opportunities for the inclusion of public amenities, such as childcare, will be explored on a site-specific basis through a formal rezoning process as sites come forward for redevelopment.
Will there be more opportunities to provide my input?
Yes. Following the current opportunity for public input, staff will analyze and summarize the findings for inclusion into a report to Council. Presentation of the draft guidelines and summary of public feedback to Council is anticipated in Winter 2021. Further opportunities for public comment will also be available through the rezoning process for each application that comes forward in the area.