The Editor:
After reading two successive articles in the Record regarding how the Columbia Square project (eight towers up to 53 stories in height) is not a "done deal" and there is still lots of time for "consultation," I feel obligated to provide my perspective regarding why I voted against this massive development project.
Yes, it is technically correct to state there remains some level of public consultation regarding the development of a master plan for this site.
However, based on my observations, I’m of the firm belief it is highly unlikely a majority of Community First Council representatives would ever reverse course on this development now that it’s passed third reading.
As one New West resident who opposed the project told me, the upcoming consultation will be akin to "would you like a red or yellow car? What if I don’t actually want a car at all?"
That's likely what leads so many people to be become skeptical about how any future consultation would actually impact the scope and scale of this project.
Upon reviewing the final report and recommendations from city staff, I made my decision to oppose this project for a number of critical reasons.
Nearing the top of the list is the fact we are in a self-declared "capacity crisis" when it comes to our school system in New West.
Don’t believe me? Just ask any parent of a school-aged child or go and check out a special page on the SD40 website describing in great detail our current "capacity crisis."
Adding 7,500 people to a parcel of land comparable to a postage stamp is not only bad public policy, but it also doesn’t make for good city building. It’s equivalent to adding the entire population of Revelstoke to that site, but leaving all of their public amenities behind.
Nobody will deny there are no pools, no libraries, no community centres, no recreation program expansions guaranteed to accompany this project. Yet what is certain is the residents moving in will be needing these valued and critical public services.
My Community First colleagues have publicly asserted they support this flawed project because it will help bring more affordable housing to New Westminster.
However, it’s important to note city staff publicly confirmed this week that current plans include a paltry 139 units of "affordable" rental housing for the entire development.
More importantly, the construction of "affordable housing" is the primary responsibility of the Province of British Columbia, not civic governments who lack the resources and tax base to get the job done.
I have no doubt the people accessing to those 139 affordable rental units will be better off.
But, at the same time, have we also given any consideration to how this development project will negatively impact the more than 85,000 other residents who currently live here?
If we couldn’t create an adequate tax base to invest in the proper community infrastructure and public amenities while holding the distinction of being the second most dense city in all of Canada, I’m doubtful aiming to take the top spot will improve the situation in any measurable way.
The role of developers is to build condos. My role on council is to build a better city — for everyone.
I take that role seriously and, for that reason, I think council should have rejected this project and begin to rethink our approach of development — at any cost.
- Coun. Daniel Fontaine, New Westminster
