The scene at city hall Wednesday mirrored countless past ones in which development projects were discussed — a long list of speakers waiting hours for a brief turn at the podium to address council.
This time the subject was staff’s interim report on the massive redevelopment proposal for Oakridge Centre to seek council’s direction before proceeding with the rezoning process.
The report was ultimately referred for further discussion to council’s June 11 meeting. Before that call, about two dozen people spoke — some outraged by the density and scale being considered, others effusive about the creative vision for the property.
Oakridge Centre currently features buildings up to seven storeys with retail, office, public amenity and residential space totaling 822,000 square feet. The rezoning application proposes buildings up to 45 storeys and expanding the overall retail, office, public amenity and residential space to 4,597,559 square feet.
Colleen McGuinness, a representative from the city’s seniors advisory committee, complained the city’s outreach for the interim report fell short because it hasn’t had enough time to study it and formulate a considered response.
“Slow down,” she recommended.
Arthur Mills, vice president of housing services for the YWCA of Metro Vancouver, spoke about its interest in working with the city and the developer to operate affordable housing units for single mothers and their children.
Several speakers questioned the consultation process since the interim report endorses the tower’s heights despite objections.
Andrew Waldichuk, who lives a “stone’s throw away” from the southern border of Queen Elizabeth Park, said he understands environmental concerns, but criticizes what he called the “relentless push for density.”
He asked councillors to visit the viewing platform at the top of the park to understand how the proposed highrises will “obliterate” the view of the Gulf Islands forever.
“That will be your legacy,” he said, while calling for more creative solutions for the development that live up to Vancouver’s reputation as a “city surrounded by beauty rather than a city overrun by developers.”
“Putting in towers is an easy way out,” he said.
Stan Lee, a chartered accountant who employs five people in an office at Oakridge Centre, spoke in support of the proposal, saying it will enhance the changing needs of the neighbourhood.
He praised consultation efforts to get community feedback and called attention to a nationwide crisis for seniors’ facilities. [The proposal includes 90 units of non-market housing designed for seniors of limited means.]
Lee said his church looked into the possibility of a seniors facility, but a requirement for underground parking nixed the plan. “Private enterprise is the only one left to fill the void,” he said. “We can’t have a world-class city where seniors are neglected.”
After council offers further direction to staff on the interim report in June, staff will work with the applicant to revise plans and move to a second stage of public consultation and technical work on the application.
Ultimately, staff will prepare a report to council summarizing the application and making a recommendation, which would then go to a public hearing.
