More than 110 speakers waited their turn to voice their opinion about the Oakridge Centre redevelopment plan at city hall Monday afternoon.
With an overwhelming number of speakers on the list, Mayor Gregor Robertson asked that the item be moved to be first up on the agenda. Apart from the group of speakers, there were 232 pieces of correspondence sent to the city as of 10:30 a.m. regarding the development, with 151 in favour and 81 opposed.
City planner Dwayne Drobot talked about revisions to the proposed rooftop park and compared its design to others around the world, but it quickly became clear the park was the hottest topic of debate among city council.
“What does the park board consider the definition of a park?” said Green Party Coun. Adriane Carr, who also voiced her concerns about the parks accessibility. Vision Vancouver Coun. Tony Tang and NPA Coun. George Affleck also had concerns about the rooftop park.
Vision Vancouver Coun. Andrea Reimer questioned whether the daycare would be able to accommodate the increase of young families the development will bring.
According to Dan Garrison, the city’s senior planner of housing policy, the units are being built with additional space which would allow suites to provide licensed childcare. For school-aged children, Garrison said the Vancouver School Board will be exercising options to restrict the enrolment numbers for out of catchment students, which would free up space at local high schools.
The first few speakers, which Monday included Angie Chan, vice-chair of the Vancouver Public Library board and Arthur Mills, vice-president of housing services for Metro Vancouver YWCA, supported the redevelopment, as it will provide a larger space for the library and increased social housing.
Due to the high level of speakers, the public hearing will run until 10 p.m. this evening and will continue tomorrow starting at 6 p.m.
Note: This article has been corrected since it was first posted March 10.
