Dundarave project wins council approval

A proposal to develop about a quarter (one fourth) of the Dundarave Village shopping area was approved by a 6-1 vote after a campaign of misinformation failed to rally opposition.

Artist’s impression of the new building, looking southeast from 25th Street and Marine Drive

After hearing submissions from staff, the architects (including well-known Vancouver developer and architect Michael Geller), and 25 supportive residents, councillors approved the development permit.

In a council where positive votes in favour of additional housing supply have been rare, the only councillor to oppose the project was Bill Soprovich.

The building - which encompasses 6 lots - will provide retail and commercial space, and 55 residential units. There is no housing in the existing building.

Meeting community needs

Positive Voices highlighted the dire need for missing-middle housing - the project provides 20 one-bedroom, 27 two-bedroom and eight three-bedroom, single-level condos.

Business owners, the West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, and the Ambleside & Dundarave Business Improvement Association highlighted the vitality and vibrancy the project would bring to Dundarave Village.

A big THANK YOU to all those - supporters of Positive Voices, and others - who wrote to Mayor & Council in support of the scheme!

Background

For a summary of the project, including illustrations of what the new building will look like, you can see the DWV staff presentation here.

The architect Michael Geller recounts the background, and the misinformation efforts, on his blog here.

Finally, Brent Richter has a good summary of the debate in the North Shore News.