Huge new housing development creates division at North Vancouver district council

A large Olympic Village-style development proposed for the District of North Vancouver, B.C., is creating division at citycouncil.

The Tsleil-Waututh First Nation is working with local developer Darwin Properties to transform an 18-hectaresite near theIronworkers Memorial Bridgeinto the North Shore Innovation District.

The project, which would belargest single developmentin the history of North Vancouver, includes 18 buildings with a mix of residential, retail and hotel spaces. There are also plans for outdoor public plazas and parks.

4,500 jobs

On Monday, the district council of North Vancouver debated approving bylaw changes needed to allow the project to go forward but noteveryone on council agreed.

"We want people to be able to work in North Vancouver, live in North Vancouverand not have to drive across a bridge to go to work," project supporterCoun. Roger Bassamtold Stephen Quinn,host ofCBC'sThe Early Edition.

He argued that the employment opportunities offered by the project's amenities and construction are the driving force behind the development. An estimated 4,500 jobs will be created along with the development, he said.

Bassam said the development will create 1,000 homes and may offer reduced living costs for those who work there.

He added there's been a recent downward trend in economic activity in the communityand theproject would help remedy that.

'Traffic, traffic, traffic'

However, Coun. Jim Hanson said that the development plan doesn't address North Vancouver'scurrent traffic woes.

Hanson said a lot has changed in the area since the officialcommunity plan was developed between 2009 and 2011.

"The prevailing issue in North Vancouver now is traffic, traffic, traffic," said Hanson.

"When I think of 4,500 workers in the Maplewood area this is right at the heart of the traffic crisis in North Vancouver."

The proposed development ison the Dollarton Highwaynear to the north end of the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge a crossing that has "long since reached capacity," Hanson said.

Hanson argued that North Vancouveritesare more interested in anewtransportation planthannew development.

Additionally, Hanson said green spaces in citiesshould be a priority, and he takes objection to the clearing of forest at the 18-hectaresite.

On its website,Darwin Properties says roughly 10 hectares of the development will includenature preservessuch as wildlife corridors and wetlands.

With files from The Early Edition

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