A nine-storey residential and commercial building is being proposed for 1763 Bellevue Avenue in Ambleside, the site of the former Masonic Hall. The District of West Vancouver will consider the proposal at its upcoming council meeting on October 6.
According to a staff report to the council, the developer, IKOR Group, has submitted preliminary plans that include 24 residential apartment units, two commercial spaces, and a total of 43 parking stalls.
The proposal outlines 20 two-bedroom units and four three-bedroom units, supported by 43 parking stalls and 51 bicycle storage spaces. Vehicle access is currently planned from Bellevue Avenue; however, staff suggest that access from the rear lane could better support pedestrian movement and streetscape improvements.
“This underutilized site merits further consideration,” wrote Community Planner Erika Syvokas in the report, while noting that issues such as building design, community access to amenity space, and traffic flow will require further review.
The site lies within the boundaries of the proposed Ambleside Centre Local Area Plan (LAP), which envisions increased density and height in this area. While the existing OCP allows for five storeys, the proposed LAP allows for buildings up to 10–12 storeys, with street-level space reserved for either commercial or community use. At least one floor is expected to be allocated for community use, with the remaining floors permitted for residential or commercial purposes.
Council is being asked to allow the project to proceed to public consultation before the Ambleside Centre Local Area Plan is formally adopted. If supported, a public information meeting would be held by the developer, followed by a formal rezoning application.
I think that raising the height of buildings all the time destroys the character of West Vancouver, and its human scale! Let’s stick to the 5 story allowed.