Vancouver councillor Elizabeth Ball is a true friend of artists, and this was evident at a public hearing about a Mount Pleasant condo development.

Ball was speaking Tuesday (November 24) in council in connection with a proposal filed on behalf of Aquilini Development to rezone an entire city block on Main Street between East 2^nd and East 3^rd avenues.

The developer plans to build a 12-storey building with 256 apartments, of which 30 units will be given to the City of Vancouver to be used as social housing for low- and moderate-income artists. The plan also includes a 4,000-square-foot of shared space where the artist-residents can work.

Ball said that the city should consider the “feast and famine aspect of artists’ lives” when the project goes ahead.

The Non-Partisan Association councillor went on to point out that many artists often make very little over long periods, but may earn well during a particular time.

According to Ball, it would be unfortunate if some artist-residents in the proposed development will have to move out later because they were able to make a handsome pay at one point.

Ball said that the city must be thoughtful of the “really cyclical ability” of many artists to make money.

Staff assured Ball that this element will be considered to ensure that working artists will have long-term homes and work spaces at the development.

Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the development.