Editor:
According to growth rates determined by Greater Vancouver Census Metropolitan Area, one of the fastest-growing sub-regions includes White Rock, as population and market trends show young professionals and aging baby boomers alike are opting for higher-density, multifamily housing options.
Current approved major private-sector construction projects four storeys and above included in the Town Centre and Lower Town Centre of White Rock are: Foster Martin, three 25-storey buildings; Miramar 2, 15 and 16 storeys; Oceana PARC, 23 storeys; Semiah, 14 storeys; Solterra, 12 storeys; and Lady Alexandra, 12 storeys.
Other projects within the city include Altus, 13 storeys; Oxford Heights, four storeys; Morningstar House, four storeys; Beverley, 13 storeys; Fantom, 10 storeys; Newport, four storeys; Isle of Mann, 21 and 24 storeys; and Beachborough, five storeys.
Some of these projects are finished, and some will be completed over the next five years. At least three of the largest properties in White Rock within three blocks of each other will be in varying stages of construction at the same time.
Our present council is clearly developer-driven at a time when housing affordability is the key issue facing communities worldwide.
Market-driven real estate in the multi-million-dollar range has created a housing crisis within White Rock, where accommodation is already scarce and very expensive.
Council ignores those who require realistic affordable rentals and other housing options, as new condo pre-sales are marketed to a distinct wealthy financial demographic, not to retirees or working-class families.
Constant infrastructure upgrades and traffic chaos is the new normal, as city officials pursue not a livable city, but one geared to tourism and the nouveau riche.
The walkable, quiet neighbourhood at Five Corners will be next on the chopping block as city councillors rezone even further down the hillside to Marine Drive.
Jane Jacobs book, Resilient Cities For the 21st Century, explores the issue of ‘place,’ the loss of neighbourhoods and the real cost to people within communities.
Elect a council that really listens to the citizens it’s elected to serve. We are the owners of our city.
Leslie Hilts, White Rock