Editor:
Re: BCGEU rental housing proposal approved by Burnaby council, NOW News
I was pretty excited when I read in the NOW that council had approved the BCGEU proposal that will see a couple of towers of rental housing at way below market rates. The project will even have a child-care centre.
This was a relief because there were several Palm street residents making a lot of noise to oppose this in their backyards. Yes, they are NIMBYs no matter how they try to dress it up.
Being whiny because you’re worried about a little more traffic on your street compared with supplying affordable housing is a bad look for anyone.
I’m glad that Burnaby council stayed strong and remained committed to this project.
Well, not all of council, of course.
Burnaby councillors Colleen Jordan and Dan Johnston showed that they will be remembered for being on the wrong side of history long after this project is built and people move into their affordable homes.
Johnston even tried to make it sound like he was standing on some sort of “principle” because there would need to be an amendment to the official community plan.
"We have community plans in this city and we've had a traditional process of going out to the public when we need to amend them,” Johnston is quoted as saying. “And I know in the Edmonds community, we've actually had a series of meetings where staff go out and talk to various members of the community when we need to make an amendment or we have a public hearing regarding the amendment to the community plan. I don't think we should be making a process and I'm standing on principle here, I don't think it's right that we [should] be disobeying or disregarding our community plans."
The community was consulted. Processes were followed. This project has been years in the making and it sets the gold standard for future projects if we’re going to ease the housing crisis.
Tim Willows, Burnaby
