Vancouver General Discussion Thread

[squeezied]

That neighbourhood is called Southlands. Some history here: http://www.friendsofsouthlands.org/history.html

[Klazu]

Ah, I have heard that name before! That link tells the story well. Nice area but must be expensive to live there. And yes, their roads are almost better traveled by horse than car (lots of potholes!).

1955... Southlands Gets Unique Zoning

Between 1909 and 1955, progressive and unplanned subdivision of DL 194 continued. However, this ended in 1955, when the City rezoned the area to RA-1 (Limited Agricultural District) to maintain its equestrian and limited agricultural nature. The minimal lot size was set at 2.25 acres.

[SpongeG]

you only found out about it now?

lame

[Millennium2002]

Guys, give him a break. It's not like everyone has been to Southlands...

[s211]

Originally Posted by Klazu

Ah, I have heard that name before! That link tells the story well. Nice area but must be expensive to live there. And yes, their roads are almost better traveled by horse than car (lots of potholes!).

And the wonderful scam is that because they're zoned agricultural, those multi-million dollar homes pay almost no property tax, even the ones without any meaningful agricultural use on them.

Southlands is also the reason you see horse-related signs on the trails in Pacific Spirit park.

[Klazu]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

you only found out about it now? lame

Ummm...yes, but what's your point? It's not like the place is actively advertized anywhere or centrally located.

I would dare to claim that my local geographical knowledge is already far better than your average Vancouverite's. I have been to so many places in Lower Mainland to hike and bike, and only small pockets like this remain undiscovered for me.

Originally Posted by s211

And the wonderful scam is that because they're zoned agricultural, those multi-million dollar homes pay almost no property tax, even the ones without any meaningful agricultural use on them.

And there's the real reason for retaining the area's status quo, I am sure.

[PaperTiger]

Originally Posted by Klazu

Anyone know what's the deal with the small residential area nearby the Deering Island in southwest Vancouver? I happened to find this area only recently and was surprised how EVERY single house in there has its own horse stables! There are at least 20-30 stables in the area.

Is that area subject to some special zoning or what's the history? It is so strange to see these huge new mansions with horse stables. Horse droppings everywhere.

Quite an unique little area, so I am interested to know what's its background?

https://goo.gl/maps/mRB5O

That is the area known as Southlands. It's history is one of "Dolla Dolla Bills Ya'll".

[Genauso]

Most of the land south of SW Marine Dr and west of Granville is owned by the Musqueam Indian band, including all 4 golf courses. The land is likely leased, and the infrastructure like roads/water/etc. is a contracted partnership with the city of Vancouver. I'm not sure about zoning or taxation, although that certainly is a very big consideration in Richmond or Delta (as a result of the ALR which was intended to stop pavement sprawl).

[s211]

Originally Posted by Genauso

Most of the land south of SW Marine Dr and west of Granville is owned by the Musqueam Indian band, including all 4 golf courses. The land is likely leased, and the infrastructure like roads/water/etc. is a contracted partnership with the city of Vancouver. I'm not sure about zoning or taxation, although that certainly is a very big consideration in Richmond or Delta (as a result of the ALR which was intended to stop pavement sprawl).

Pretty sure that some of Southlands is outside the reserve.

[PaperTiger]

Originally Posted by s211

Pretty sure that some of Southlands is outside the reserve.

Most of it is. There are only a few small pockets of SF homes that the band leases to non-members.

Of the golf courses, Shaughnessy and Eaglequest are on reserve, McCleary and Point Grey are not

[Klazu]

Pretty neat little tool. Not sure of the exact accuracy though. Seems to leave spires etc. out,

http://maps.nicholsonroad.com/

[hollywoodnorth]

New interactive map of Vancouver building heights

http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2015/08/vancouver-building-heights-map/

super cool!

[Klazu]

Repost!

[Klazu]

Considering how many movies and tv-series are show in Vancouver, I am very surprised that there are no "movie tours" offered. There would be a load of interesting locations they could be showing to tourists, but for some reason we don't have anyone doing such tours. I wonder why, as they can draw a lot of tourists.

[Vin]

Originally Posted by Klazu

Anyone know what's the deal with the small residential area nearby the Deering Island in southwest Vancouver? I happened to find this area only recently and was surprised how EVERY single house in there has its own horse stables! There are at least 20-30 stables in the area.

Is that area subject to some special zoning or what's the history? It is so strange to see these huge new mansions with horse stables. Horse droppings everywhere.

Quite an unique little area, so I am interested to know what's its background?

https://goo.gl/maps/mRB5O

Brittiläinen Kolumbia, Kanada

[Klazu]

I am sure you would be even more amused if you would just get into the ins and outs of Finnish language.

[Klazu]

I am still fairly new in Vancouver, but to my understanding the city did re-assess some of the view cones around five years ago and new taller buildings were approved in places like Burrard Place.

How likely do you think it is that the same kind of re-assessment would happen again once all those spaces are filled in the 5-10 years? Any opinions which view cones might be relaxed in the future? I think the Queen Elizabeth Park one(s) is the most outdated today and could go. Not sure if it would have that much impact anywhere in Downtown.

[Smooth]

Not sure if there is an active thread going for the False Creek Flats planning process but I thought I should remind the SSPers out there that the False Creek Flats online survey ends today.
https://falsecreekflats.metroquest.ca/

[LeftCoaster]

Originally Posted by Klazu

I am still fairly new in Vancouver, but to my understanding the city did re-assess some of the view cones around five years ago and new taller buildings were approved in places like Burrard Place.

How likely do you think it is that the same kind of re-assessment would happen again once all those spaces are filled in the 5-10 years? Any opinions which view cones might be relaxed in the future? I think the Queen Elizabeth Park one(s) is the most outdated today and could go. Not sure if it would have that much impact anywhere in Downtown.

The QE viewcone definitely has impacts, but it is coupled with the two viewcones from Cambie, 9th and 12th I believe, that really impact the east of downtown. Three major development sites (Bay Parkade, Post Office, and Larwill Park) could be completely unencumbered from viewcones if these three were removed or adjusted.

[Klazu]

The Cambie view cone is actually one that I like. The view driving down the hill with mountains behind the city looks great.