Review of Vancouver's Joyce Collingwood plan worries residents

Residents in the area nearVancouver's Joyce CollingwoodSkyTrain station are concerned about the city's plans to increase density in their neighbourhood.

The city is working on a precinctreview that could include rezoning around the station to allow for condo towers up to 35storeys, as well astownhouses.

ChanelLy with the Joyce Area Residents Association saidshe's worried about how the potential changeswill affect the neighbourhood'scheaper rental housing.

"The community is made up of a lot of immigrant, working-class families," said Ly.

"The redevelopment isn't meeting the needs of theneighbourhood, and we're concerned about displacement, unaffordability, and the consultation process not being authentic or thorough enough."

Ly said many people who can't afford rent increases or to buy new condos could be forced to relocate.

Kent Munro,one of Vancouver's head planners,saidthe point of the plan is to create more living spaces near the SkyTrain. He saidif the plan isapproved, it will include options for low-income people.

"We're also looking at a mix of housing types,not just market condos," he said. "We're exploring affordable forms of housing or rental housing."

Munro adds there will be relocation plans for residents whose homes are redeveloped.

He said the city is currently reviewing the community's feedback,and will make changes to the plan before presenting it to residents in the new year.