Wood is good. That's the slogan sometimes uttered by B.C. forest-industry advocates to promote the use of more lumber in construction.

Apparently, Vancouver city staff also subscribe to this philosophy. 

A report to council recommends referring an application for a seven-storey wood-frame housing project to a public hearing.

The Red Door Housing Society is seeking council's permission to build a 21.3-metre structure at 870 East 8th Avenue.

If the rezoning is approved, it would increase the number of units from 22 to 51.

The report notes that relying on a wood rather than a concrete frame will make the project more affordable.

"The application has been made because the deteriorating physical condition of the existing 22-unit housing development necessitates replacement," a city staff report states.

The four-storey wood-frame building on-site, Mi Casa, was built in 1985. It includes six two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom units.

Red Door's application for CD-1 (comprehensive development) zoning would, if approved, increase the floor-space ratio on the site from 1.45 to 2.8.

According to the staff report, the new structure would include 13 "rent geared to income" units for seniors and/or families.

The report also notes that existing tenants would receive relocation assistance and would then have the option of coming back to the new building when it opens.

The apartment vacancy rate in the Mount Pleasant-Renfrew Heights area is 0.8 percent. This project would add 29 units to the city's social-housing inventory.