Despite some concerns over Community Amenity Contribution and parking, a seniors rental building proposal in West Vancouver moved towards a public hearing on July 8.
Milliken Real Estate is proposing to consolidate Amica Lions Gate, an existing assisted living facility on Keith Road, with a senior rental building containing 48 units. The majority of the one-bedroom units, ranging from 600 to 675 square feet, will rent anywhere from $7,000 to $8,000, with some units dropping to $4,000 per month depending on amenities package opted by the renters.
The developer is applying to rezone the land from residential to multifamily use, combining senior rental building with the existing Amica building for a combined 81,261 square feet of space.
The 727 Keith road will be six-storey building containing 48 units and the developer is proposing 26 parking stalls with an underground parkade. The existing facility will be connected with a covered pedestrian walkway at the existing entrance with a heated and enclosed breezeway located on the north side.
Councillor Craig Cameron expressed his concerns about the Community Amenity Contributions of $219,000. “That seems to be quite low…if you are building 48 units at a very healthy market rate, and you are going from one single home to 48 units, that seems strange,” he said.
Councillor Bill Sorprovich expressed his concerns about on-street parking, and hoped that majority staff will be using transit, as assured by the proponents. “There are going to have to use transit. There is no parking, you can only park on half of Keith Road. It will be a very busy corner,” he said.
Staff was supportive as the proposal secures rental that are close to transit and services. Residents in the new building will also be able to transition to the specialised care, allowing people to truly age in care, according to the staff report.
West Vancouver supply of purpose built rental is made up of approximately 1900 units, most of which were built in the 60s and the 70s.
One in four west Vancouverites are over the age of 65, with over 27 per cent living alone. By 2041, the District estimates the community will see an increase of 10,600 residents, of which 72 percent will be seniors.
A public hearing date for this proposal is set for July 8.
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