A group of Tsawwassen residents are raising concern about traffic impacts that would result from the redevelopment of KinVillage.
In a recent letter to council, Roberta Bradshaw submitted an 88-name petition of property owners asking that a barrier be installed at the south end of 54A Street and 11th Avenue, saying, “This barrier would disallow through traffic to KinVillage which is planning to undergo a substantial expansion which will increase traffic to our narrow and heavily used street parking.”
Her letter also states, “Our neighbourhood is experiencing heavy traffic daily as well as excessive speeding along 54A Street.”
She noted traffic would still be able to access KinVillage through 10th Avenue and 53A Street.
A Delta staff response notes the application for the redevelopment at 1050 54A St. is still under review.
The proposal for the 152-unit affordable seniors’ rental building, which would be the first phase of redevelopment for the KinVillage site, includes a four-to-six storey building, as well as variances to reduce required resident and visitor parking.
The staff memo notes the applicant previously provided a traffic impact study in support of the long-range development plans, which will still be updated to address the current proposal.
The update will include a review of the ability of the current road network to accommodate the development and any modifications and improvements that may be required, according to staff.
The current KinVillage Community Centre would be closed 10 years into the redevelopment but would be replaced nearby
Council this spring endorsed a public consultation program that includes a public information meeting which is to be held in the near future.
All the comments received will be summarized in a report to council.
The city recently received the development application from the KinVillage Association.
The proposed 152-unit development is being funded and financed through B.C. Housing's Community Housing Fund.
Through the fund, a capital grant and on-going operating subsidies will allow for a mix of subsidized, rent geared to income and low-end of market housing, all the while ensuring that existing residents do not face displacement or increased monthly rent payments, according to the city’s planning department.
The new building would be constructed in place of the existing surface parking lot on the northern and western portions of the site, with the existing building being retained until residents have moved to the new building.
Council last year approved an Official Community Plan amendment for the long-term expansion vision for KinVillage.
The site currently contains three buildings ranging in height from one to three storeys.
The current KinVillage operates 310 affordable rental units for seniors, including 68 in assisted living and 100 in residential care, as well as a community centre.
A total of 798 units is planned in the re-development, comprising 544 seniors’ rental housing units, 119 units in congregate care and 135 community care beds.
The development would be phased in over 10-to-15 years.
The next phases would include a new residential care facility, after which time the current residential care facility, including the community centre, would be torn down.
The current KinVillage Community Centre is to be closed in about 10 years, but Delta has a master plan for the adjacent Winskill Park that envisions a replacement centre built as part of future park redevelopment.
