The District of West Vancouver council has deferred a micro-unit rental housing project near Park Royal to January 23 to allow for more public consultation.
The previous council had approved a preliminary proposal for the four lots at 671, 685, and 693 Clyde Avenue and 694 Duchess Avenue to allow 201-unit market rental apartment building proposal within a six-storey format.
With Coun. Nora Gambioli and Mayor Mike Sager opposed, the council voted to defer the decision until January 23, 2023. The site, an approximate area of 43,659 square feet, is located on the east side of Taylor Way. The “L-shaped” site is comprised of three lots fronting Clyde Avenue, as well as a single lot fronting Duchess Avenue.
The applicant, Larco Developments, the owners of Park Royal, are proposing 201 residential apartment units. The units will be 100% market rentals, with 79% of them being 350 square feet micro-units, 8% being studio units, from 362 to 378 square feet, and 13% adaptable units, from 466 to 497 square feet.
Mayor Mark Sager said the project is worthy of going ahead, but there are new council members and they want to be comfortable knowing the community has been well-engaged.
In a presentation to council, Rick Amantea, the VP of Park Royal and Larco, said the micro-units will have balconies and all the units will be air-conditioned as well as have level 2 adaptability. “We try to build high quality, and with level 2 adaptability standards and its unique and you don’t find this kind of adaptable design. This opens the market to those with mobility issues, and those who might be older and might need some form of assistance,” he said.
He said along with a fitness facility and a café, what Larco is ‘most proud’ of the 200 square feet socialisation space outside the elevators where people can sit and work and talk to their neighbours. Amantea said the company believes there is a high demand for the micro-units and said many older people who have come to their open houses say they would be interested in living in the micro apartments.
He said the units will provide seniors the option for independent living for those who are currently sharing accommodation or living in unauthorised basement suites. He noted that units can be a ‘launch opportunity’ for children of many community members to stay in the community, adding that the company would consider giving rent incentives to those who work in West Vancouver.
. Micro homes in this area are exactly what we need for designed accessibility, downsizing options for seniors, and starter-pads for young people who perhaps might like to stay in their community and out of their parents basement. This application is well-needed, centrally-positioned, and should go ahead as proposed without delay. No view corridors are affected either- very little to complain about here let’s get on with it