July 20 2022 –
Following Council’s adoption of the Policy Statement and design approach, the proposed redevelopment of Skeena Terrace can now enter its next phase – the submission of a rezoning application by BC Housing.
The Policy Statement will guide the rezoning application and contains guiding principles, objectives, and policies related to:
- Housing affordability
- Tenant-first engagement
- Land use, height and density public benefits, transportation, and mobility
- Sustainability
- Development phasing
Redevelopment of this site will provide social housing for a diversity of household types, ages, mobility and income levels, and substantially increase affordable family-oriented housing in the Hastings-Sunrise area. A target of 66% of the homes proposed will rent at or below the BC Housing Housing Income Limits, and will be rented at no more than 30% of gross household income.
Redevelopment will also provide new community-serving spaces, childcare spaces, and walking, rolling, and cycling connections that are well-integrated into the neighbourhood, creating an affordable, sustainable and vibrant community.
The rezoning application phase will provide the public with an opportunity to provide input once the formal application is submitted. Residents are encouraged to visit the project website for important updates about the project, and how they can get involved.
Background
Skeena Terrace is on a 10.8-acre site located at 2108 Cassiar Street in the Hastings Sunrise area and is owned and operated by BC Housing.
The buildings and infrastructure at Skeena Terrace are aging and need extensive and ongoing repairs. This planning process provides an opportunity to replace and expand the amount of social housing and add services and amenities to the property. The redevelopment will address current energy-efficient and sustainability requirements, and meet the needs of the community for years to come.
Existing tenants will be protected throughout by our Tenant Relocation and Protection Policy and offered priority such as right-of-first-refusal to a new affordable home at Skeena Terrace.
BC Housing has committed to achieving a redevelopment that will minimize the displacement of existing tenants, through a phasing strategy with the sequencing of building redevelopment.