Rental Homes Spared A Rigid Wedgie As Urban Design Panel Seeks To Heal A Green Divide
495 W 41st Ave
I imagine there are some who will overlook this proposal as easily as they pass over the vacant lot it will occupy kitty corner to the Canada Line station at the Oakridge Centre. That’s certainly understandable, and not just because of the heat outside either. Yet, considering how prescriptive the Cambie Corridor Plan’s design guidelines are (pg 67), Hannah and I knew that there was a reason city staff had required it to undergo this Urban Design Panel review.
It turns out this scrutiny was needed because the project provides more rental housing in its podium than was originally called for. While city staff were cautious about that choice, the response of these volunteers ranged from strong approval, to confusion and outright irritation that the appropriateness of this decision would be questioned. In fairness, a majority would later admit it had created several challenges, both relating to its appearance, and the comfort of those who will live here.
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