NDP MP Don Davies calls for affordable housing at old RCMP HQ site in Vancouver
Vancouver Kingsway MP Don Davies wants affordable housing at the former headquarters of RCMP’s E Division in the city.
The NDP politician is also calling for green space and heritage preservation at the 8.5-hectare property along Heather Street between West 33rd and 37th avenues.
Covering four city blocks, the property known as the Fairmont Complex was where the largest RCMP division in Canada operated, until E Division’s new headquarters in Surrey opened in 2012.
In an interview Tuesday (September 2), Davies said that the federal government plans to sell the property to Canada Lands Company, a Crown corporation, for redevelopment.
“What I’m thinking is a good mixed-use with affordable housing and green space,” Davies told the Straight by phone.
Davies also suggested that the federal government work with the neighbourhood, city government, and First Nations in coming up with a redevelopment plan for the property located near the Cambie Corridor, where the Canada Line runs.
Davies said: “The community would have to be carefully involved, so that’s its sensitive to their area.”
Comments
3 Comments
Forest
Sep 4, 2014 at 5:44pm
I think that this is a great idea, especially given that the City lost an important chunk of affordable housing when the province sold off Riley Park to Taiwanese developers. (And after all the long-term families were kicked out - in 2010? - that huge property still sits empty). This is a fine alternative to what has been lost, as it's in the middle of the city, close to parkland and public transportation (all important to those on fixed incomes). And the beautiful old Fox and MaClure building will be saved. The only problem is - and it's a big problem - the property is owned by the Feds, and well, we know how important affordable housing and our architectural heritage are to them… not.
JUDITH HARROWER
Sep 5, 2014 at 6:49am
Great idea just follow through - building of course is high quality & could be used for seniors, disabled or single parent families. Why not also look at the current RCMP RHQ, as crime rates have dropped drasticaly, and would reduce the stress on BC government to provide housing for those most in need.
Yeah right
Sep 5, 2014 at 7:31am
I think this is a great idea. It's a good area and I think it's better to start spreading out this type of housing around the city to offer more diversity and prevent any neighbourhood from becoming a ghetto.