Question 1

Why did you host virtual open houses? Why now?

Accepted Answer

We understand and are sensitive to the fact that we are currently in the midst of a pandemic. This is an unprecedented time where the health of our communities is paramount, and we hope you and your family are safe and healthy. Public engagement is a key component of a development project; however, in light of the pandemic, the traditional in-person public information meeting has been moved online to ensure it can be delivered in a safe, inclusive, and accessible manner. We believe it is important for development processes to move forward in an appropriate manner to ensure key city objectives, like the provision of critical housing supply, are continued to be addressed as practically as possible. We are committed to working through this challenging time together and look forward to a better future for all following this pandemic

Question 2

Who is the developer?

Accepted Answer

Pacific Northern has extensive building and development experience. We have been in business for 28 years and have built a wide range of projects from townhouses to large scale multi-building developments. We have been working in Metro Vancouver since 2005 and have successfully completed 3 projects here. We are committed to making great communities.

Question 3

Why is Pacific Northern proposing to redevelop these properties?

Accepted Answer

The properties are located within the Burrard Corridor in the West Community Plan, which is where the City permits higher density residential development.  Pacific Northern purchased the properties in May 2018 with the intention to redevelop. The existing buildings are nearing their end of life and will eventually need to be replaced.

Question 4

Has this proposal been approved?

Accepted Answer

No. We submitted a Rezoning Application on June 15, 2020. The Application is currently being reviewed by City of Vancouver staff. More information can be found on the City of Vancouver's project website: https://shapeyourcity.ca/1063-1075-barclay-st. Subject to staff review, the Application will then advance to a Public Hearing, and provided Council approves the Rezoning, a Development Permit application and Building Permit application would follow.

Question 5

What is the timeline for this proposal? Has an application been submitted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, an application was submitted on June 15, 2020. Subject to staff review, the Application will advance to a Public Hearing, and provided Council approves the Rezoning, a Development Permit application and Building Permit application would follow.

Question 6

When will construction begin?

Accepted Answer

We are still in the very early stages of our planning and design process, so it is difficult to predict when we will be able to begin construction. However, our best estimate at this time is that the earliest construction could begin is late 2022.

Question 7

What is being proposed?

Accepted Answer

Our current proposal is to rezone our properties to permit the construction of a 48-storey residential tower. The tower includes approximately 79 social housing units (amounting to approximately 25% of the project) and approximately 295 market condominiums (amounting to approximately 75% of the project). The proposal also includes a new public plaza, laneway beautification, and generous outdoor landscaping to create a parklike environment, as well as a shared outdoor amenity space for all residents of the building.

Question 8

Are you allowed to build what is being proposed?

Accepted Answer

1063 - 1069 & 1075 Barclay Street are located within the West End. The West End Community Plan provides a framework for change, development, and public benefit in the West End for the next 30 years. Our properties are located within the Burrard Corridor, which permits building heights up to 550 feet. Additional density may be considered for sites that are providing social housing. Our current proposal responds to these requirements outlined in the West End Plan.

Question 9

Who will own and operate the social housing?

Accepted Answer

The social housing will be operated by a non-profit operator selected by the City of Vancouver.

Question 10

Will the social housing have a separate entrance from the condos?

Accepted Answer

The current design proposes grouping the social housing on floors 1-13 and the condominium on floors 14-47 (the mechanical room is on floor 48); there is a dedicated entrance for the social housing and a dedicated entrance for the condominiums. Having the social housing grouped together, including a dedicated entrance, is the preference of the social housing operators because it allows for more streamlined operation and maintenance.

Question 11

Will the building amenities be shared between the different forms of housing?

Accepted Answer

The outdoor amenity space will be shared by all residents of the building, regardless of their tenure (social housing or condominium). The interior amenity spaces will be managed separately because the social housing amenity space will be managed by the social housing provider and the condominium amenity space will be managed by the strata and/or the condominium property manager.

Question 12

What are the public benefits associated with this proposal?

Accepted Answer

Our current proposal includes 25% social housing. This housing will be turned over to the City once it is completely built out. The City will then select a non-profit operator to manage the social housing. We are also providing a new public plaza, laneway beautification, and a parklike setting to create a welcoming space that the community can enjoy.

Question 13

Is enough parking being provided on site?

Accepted Answer

Yes, underground parking will be provided per the City of Vancouver Parking Bylaw.

Question 14

How will your proposal benefit the broader West End community?

Accepted Answer

Our current proposal includes 25% social housing, 50% of which is family-sized. This will create new and more affordable housing options for West End residents or those wishing to move to the West End. This housing will be turned over to the City once it is completely built out. Our proposal also includes several public realm improvements for the broader community to enjoy, including a new public plaza, laneway beautification, and a parklike setting. Our goal is to create a space where neighbours can sit and relax.

Question 15

How will this proposal impact traffic and parking in the neighbourhood?

Accepted Answer

Parking will be provided in the building, per the City of Vancouver Parking Bylaw. Given the site’s close proximity to transit, shopping, services, amenities, the business district and schools, vehicle usage is expected to be low. We will have a transportation consultant on the project team who will assess traffic impact, building access, and parking.

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