Editor:
Re: Tsawwassen rental apartment building proposed (Optimist, online, Feb. 22)
Once again, a developer is pushing the envelope of the four-storey limit for a proposal on 56th Street. As well, the proposed number of units for the building is extremely high. I’m sure the reasoning would, once again, be ‘financial feasibility’.
The Vancouver Board of Variance will not consider ‘finances’ as a reason for variances to building bylaws. The board requires that developers know bylaws limitations and that they plan accordingly.
However, the board encourages developments that affect a community positively. It may offer variances for proposals that offer tangible benefits to the community.
As the article states, “vacancies continue to become less affordable” due to our low vacancy rate. Building more units that rent at current or prevailing market rates will not change that. This is where the City of Delta could make a difference.
At any time that a proposal such as this asks for variance to building bylaws the city should require that a percentage of the proposed units be allocated as low-cost or subsidised housing.
The variance board can exercise a certain amount of control over development in Delta. It is a way in which the City of Delta, be it the planning department or the council, can actually improve living conditions and quality of life for its citizens. Vancouver has done this successfully for years.
Most renter households in Vancouver earn less than $50,000 per year. These people hold occupations crucial to the vitality of this community. People who stock our grocery shelves, serve in restaurants, drive buses, and support medical staff, etc.
These issues should be considered by the council as Delta “continues to work on formulating a new housing action plan.”
The well-being of this community depends on opportunities for young families to live here affordably.
Peter van der Velden
