A proposed 20-storey downtown sa国际传媒 building would include 176 suites, many for low-income people, as well as a childcare centre, rooftop patio, and community garden.听
It would also have 141 parking stalls, and 142 secured spots for bicycles.听
But for the project by sa国际传媒 Housing to proceed as planned, city council would have to grant a number of variances relating to such things as its height, as current regulations for the property at 1451 Bertram St. permits only a 12-storey building, and site coverage.听
At a public hearing on Aug. 13, planners will recommend council grant the variances and issue a development permit, describing the project as an important addition to sa国际传媒sa国际传媒 rental housing stock.听
鈥淭aller buildings (than would otherwise be allowed on a property) can be considered where the proposal contains a significant benefit to sa国际传媒 citizens, such as an affordable, supportive, or rental housing components that further advances urban centre housing objectives,鈥 states part of a staff report to council.听
鈥淎s the proposed building is a BC Housing rental project, the proposal fulfills a significant objective through the creation of 176 new purpose-built rental units, of which 114 will be below-market,鈥 the report states.听
The tower would be built on the previous site of low-slung seniors residence, also operated by BC Housing.听It was demolished several years ago.听
In its application to the city, BC Housing notes some changing demographics that are forecast to occur in sa国际传媒 in the coming years.听
鈥淎s of 2016, one in five sa国际传媒 residents is over the age of 65. By 2040, the number will have increased to one in four. And within the senior demographic, 40 per cent will be over the age of 80,鈥 the agency says.听
The height variance from 12 to 20 storeys is supportable, in part, because several blocks around the proposed building site have seen the recent construction or approval of buildings in the 30-storey and 40-storey range.听
The site is also well-suited for future residents to easily walk around downtown sa国际传媒, BC Housing says.
Interested members of the community can address councillors before they make a decision on the variances and issuance of the development permit. The anticipated start time for discussion on the item is 4 p.m. at the Aug. 13 meeting at City Hall.听
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