Pathway goes ahead

A new pathway that will connect Chaffey and Halley avenues in Burnaby is going through, despite concerns of tenants being forced out.

The Chaffey-Halley pathway will sit on city-owned property in the South Burnaby neighbourhood near Chaffey-Burke Elementary School. The city developed a pathway concept and presented it for public input in February.

Questionnaires were sent to the 538 residents in the area and the open house was attended by 21 locals on Feb. 12. The city received a total of 34 questionnaires, and 24 were in support of the pathway.

The 10 responses that opposed the pathway noted concerns of potential crime, increased noise and the construction cost of the pathway, according to a staff report.

"Based on the public response received through the consultation process, it is proposed that the Chaffey-Halley pathway be endorsed, as presented to the public," the planning and building report states.

However, the family who has rented out the Halley Avenue home for more than 10 years will now have to pack up and go.

The family renting the Halley Avenue home did not wish to comment to the NOW, but other locals have voiced concerns.

Rick McGowan, a neighbour to the family for 12 years, said the report is missing a few key things.

"I'm disappointed but not surprised that staff has recommended the pathway proceed at this time," McGowan said in an email. "The recommendation to council makes no mention of the eviction of my neighbour, nor is there mention of my submission in which I suggested the path should be part of a comprehensive bike strategy."

McGowan said he submitted a proposal to the city on behalf of his group, the Metrotown Area Green Improvement Coalition. The proposal outlined the need for a community garden, composting sites and for the city not to sell the disputed land, as it could be valuable for a future development of affordable housing units.

"On the part of the proposal to sell the remaining property, I think it is ironic that our local government rightfully cries foul when the province plans to sell publicly owned land that could be used for affordable housing, while doing the exact same thing. Convenience trumps compassion, I guess."

In the past, Mayor Derek Corrigan told the Burnaby NOW that the city is not in the business of being a landlord.

"Everybody who moves into a house owned by the city knows it's temporary," Corrigan said. "The rent, policy and information reflect it. It's not a long-term rental."

Corrigan also said the city sometimes helps tenants relocate to another city-owned property.

City staff will now work on the pathway's development, which consists of a three-metre asphalt trail with pedestrian lighting and grassed shoulders, according to the report.

"The completion of the pathway will provide a local community amenity that improves access and safety for pedestrian and bicycle movements in the neighbourhood," the report states.