Community Consultation - Vancouver...taken by MVHC: April 22, 2010 - Tenant Outreach Meeting – discuss building envelope problems / including redevelopment options. July 21, 2011

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of key neighbourhood stakeholders through one-on-one meetings where the re-development project was introduced, the process of planning and approvals was explained and early public input was sought. The following organizations were contacted: • L’ecole Saint Sacrement School / Blessed Saint Sacrement Parish • Cambie Village Business Improvement Association • Parish of St. George Anglican Church • Tapestry Strata Corporation • Braeburn Strata Corporation • Kids in General Child Development Centre

There was no response from L’ecole Saint Sacrement School / Blessed Saint Sacrement Parish or the Cambie Village Business Improvement. Individual meetings were held with the other stakeholders who were approached. Their input was valuable in identifying important issues that were considered in the project planning and/or addressed at subsequent public information open house meetings. Resulting from those meetings, as well as from the two public information open houses detailed here, a number of people have made contact with MVHC by email and their input has been

noted and responded to. A data base of approximately 125 members of the public has been assembled, including those who were met during the early public engagement outreach efforts, those who corresponded by email, registered at the Public Information Open Houses or responded to the open house questionnaires.

Public Information / MVHC WebsiteShortly following the first Public Information Open House, MVHC launched a Heather Place Re-development Project web page as part of the MVHC’s presence on the Metro Vancouver web site. The Heather Place web page includes an overview of the project, some frequently asked questions and answers, the estimated project approval timeline and all of the information presented at the two Public Information Open Houses, which includes all project plans to date. The public is invited to provide feedback online by completing the Public Information Open House questionnaire and can submit comments by a direct email link.

Community ConsultationMetro Vancouver Housing Corporation’s (MVHC) efforts to reach out to the public early in the process of planning its re-development of its Heather Place housing site have been extensive and span a period dating back three years. The public consultation has been aimed at engaging internal stakeholders: Heather Place tenants; and, external stakeholders: neighbourhood residents and the community at-large.

Tenant EngagementMVHC’s first concern has always been the future of their existing Heather Place tenants who occupy 86 rental homes, including the 26 rental homes where rents are geared to income. Outreach on the re-development essentially began with tenants in April 2010, when a Tenant Outreach Meeting was convened by MVHC to discuss building envelope issues. A Tenant Outreach Meeting to discuss potential re-development followed in July 2011. Subsequent to this meeting were the following tenant outreach activities under-taken by MVHC:

April 22, 2010 - Tenant Outreach Meeting – discuss building envelope problems / including redevelopment options.

July 21, 2011 - Tenant Outreach Meeting – discuss Heather Place re-development issues.

October 17, 2011 - Update and report on re-development planning activities at the Tenant Association Annual General Meeting.

March 15, 2012 - Update on re-development planning at a Tenant Outreach Meeting.

April 23, 2012 - Meeting with the Tenant Association to discuss the potential re-development.

April 30, 2012 - Meeting with the Tenant Association to discuss potential project design features.

September 24, 2012 - Tenant Outreach Meeting to discuss the re-development.

October 3, 2012 - Letter to all tenants to respond to questions raised at the Tenant Outreach Meeting.

November 6, 2012 - Tenants invited with neighbourhood residents to the first Public Information Open House.

November 19, 2012 - Update and report on re-development planning activities at the Tenant Association Annual General Meeting.

January 3, 2013 - Follow-up letter to all tenants to address issues connected with tenants currently paying market rents.

February 14, 2013 - Letter to Heather Place market rent tenants.

March 11, 2013 - Tenant Outreach Meeting to discuss market rent tenants who may qualify for subsidy after re-development.

March 19, 2013 - Tenant Outreach Meeting with the project architect to review proposed design concepts.

March 26, 2013 - Tenants invited with neighbourhood residents to the second Public Information Open House.

April 8, 2013 - Meeting with Executive of Tenant’s Association where an update on the re-development project was presented.

May 13, 2013 - Meeting to discuss relocation compensation and relocation options and issues.

Engagement with Heather Place tenants continues as MVHC collaborates with them on the planning for the re-development and discusses issues that need to be addressed.

Neighbourhood EngagementAttempts were made early in the planning process, in October 2012, to establish relationships with a number

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prepared by T.Szymańska Page 2

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CommunityArt Project for New Heather Place

1. 86 Bird Houses made from wood in the fashion of bird houses from pictures: G.& C.

Each houshold from HP ,at the 1-2 days workshop can decorate chosen bird house with durable materials: metal, wood, ceramic, glass, and fixed with outdoor paints or stains. If there are not enough participants, leftover houses can be painted in the fashion of picture: H.Bird houses can be attached on the trees at Heather Place grounds like in the picture B.

2. Mural in Common Indor Court in the fashion of the image on the right , however we would like to ad 86 birds to the design, in addition of houses and tree. Each houshold can pick one bird that they like, either local or one that represent country of their origin. Mural will be designed by professional artists from HP and hopfully painted by supervised tenants who would like to contribute. We should also add at the site framed exegesis of each bird, who picked them and why.

3. “ My Home and I” Juried HP’s Children Art Exhibit. This one brought quite a bit of controversy. Children art is very particular and we did not see it


as a permanent fixture in the hallways and foyers. Also based on my experience of curating art exhibits ,including children international exhibit documented at “J.Korczak Association of Canada Newsletter” - Number 4, April 2006, page 7 http://www.januszkorczak.ca/bulletins/Bulletin%20%234.pdf., where I had choice of 300 art works of over 100 children, I know that it need to be some volume of work to create good exhibition. We did not really see this happen here in HP.

Instead we came up with different idea. Display of B&W pictures in foyers, depicting the old Heather Place, maybe MVHC have in archives some old pictures from construction or even before, and old architectual drafts of HP, we could work on some fotographic collages making again some workshop for interested tenants. To proceed with more detailed draft we need to have more information re: actual interior design for new HP, as well as info about budget, to cover cost of materials.

All of the above are just ideas that we want to bring to the table. What we are trying to convey through this art project ,is this strong sense of stability and community that brings stewardship and pride to the people who live at Heather Place.

This draft was prepared in consultation with Katie Morris, Paul Morris, Serge Golik, Tamara Szymańska, Tami McCulloch. All above are professionals in the field of visual arts.


Community Consultation

MVHC Website Homepage for Heather Place Redevelopment

Tenant Initiated Community Art Project Proposal

MVHC Tenant Outreach Meetings & Communications (Selected Items)

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Open House Information Meeting #1 November 6th, 2012

NOVEMBER 6, 2012

HEATHER PLACE NEIGHBOURHOOD INFORMATIONAL MEETING

Survey - Existing Trees

A topographic survey and an arborist report was completed.

adjacent to the property were assessed including: species, diameter of tree base, estimated height and general health and defects, root zones, tree protection during construction activities, etc. Where possible, existing trees will be retained.

4NOVEMBER 6, 2012


Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation (MVHC) owns and operates 50 affordable rental housing sites across the Lower Mainland, providing housing for more than 10,000 people. Our vibrant housing communities are a diverse mix of families, seniors and people with disabilities. We offer housing for a mixed range of incomes. Rents vary from competitive market rates to assisted rents for those with lower incomes. MVHC is a self-sustaining organization. We do not rely on tax revenue to sustain our portfolio of rental units.

Heather Street on the east, Willow Street on the west, 13th Avenue on the north and 14th Avenue on the south. It does not include the two adjoining properties in the southeast corner of the block at 14th Ave. and Heather St.Heather Place consists of one, two and three bedroom townhouses built atop an underground parking garage.

in a city and region desperately in need of affordable housing.

In our planning, we are being sensitive to local neighbourhood needs such as: aesthetics, trees and green space, changing demographics,

Project Introduction

Heather Place

Re-developing Heather Place

Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation

We are seeking your input on our planning principles.

NOVEMBER 6, 2012


Neighbourhood Context

14th Ave.

Hea

ther

St.

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ow S

t.

13th Ave.

12th Ave.

SITE

SITE

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NOVEMBER 6, 2012


Open Space Diagram

Our goal is to maximize the amount of open space for the use of public and residents.

Potential Open Space

Open space

NOVEMBER 6, 2012


Public / Private Zones Diagram

with a “hierarchy of spaces” to ensure that residents and visitors can easily distinguish among the private, semi-private (areas for the use of residents only), semi-public (accessible to the public but still on-site), and public realms in and around the project.

Public / Private Zones

Public: Access and use

Semi public: Community and residents access

Semi private: Residents access and use

Private: Individual unit access and use

A Public Information Open House session was held on November 6, 2012, to introduce the re-development project, share with area residents the planning principles guiding the project and to seek their feedback and questions.

The meeting was held at the Tapestry Community Meeting Room at the corner of Heather Street and 12th Avenue, one block from the project. A notice was mailed to approximately 2,000 property owners for properties within a two block area surrounding the Heather Place site, using a mailing list provided by the City of Vancouver. It was also distributed to Heather Place rental tenants.

The meeting was convened for a duration of three and a half hours between 4:30 pm and 8:00 pm. Senior staff from MVHC were on hand to meet with residents, as were the senior architects from NSDA Architects, a representative of Bunt and Associates, the Transportation Consultant and representatives of COUNTERPOINT Communications Inc., the community engagement consultants.

Those attending were able to view a number of graphic information displays that spoke to the planning principles of guiding the project. A questionnaire was available to each attendee to complete, with four questions eliciting their input concerning the planning principles.

Neighbourhood Open House #1 Invitation

The following is a summary of attendance: Total Attendees 124Registered 97

Questionnaires Returned 51Identified 27Anonymous 24

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NOVEMBER 6, 2012


Community Gardens & Children’s Play Area

Children of all ages will have easy access to appropriately located, designed and landscaped outdoor play areas suited to their developmental and play needs.

and covered play areas and indoor amenities for families with children.

of community and ownership and to promote healthy living the project will incorporate community garden plots for the residents.

appropriate common indoor amenity space for the residents,

space with wheelchair accessible washrooms and kitchenette to permit a wide range of activities and gatherings and community interaction.

NOVEMBER 6, 2012


Circulation & Access Diagram

enhance and reinforce the existing pedestrian linkages and provide possible mid-block pedestrian connections.

entry units. Individual units, their entries, and private outdoor spaces will be designed to maximize privacy.

Public access

Individual ground level unit access

Building entrance

Pedestrian Access / Site Permeability Ground-entry Units

NOVEMBER 6, 2012


sustainability in a systems design approach to ensure the building and site design achieves cost effective solutions with high performance sustainable and environmental standards.

Sustainability

Possible Strategies construction waste managementregional materialsmaterial product selectionrecycled material contentlow-emitting materials, adhesives & sealantsgreen roofs

water use reductionrainwater harvestingground water rechargestorm-water managementalternate transportation modeselectric vehicle infrastructureparking capacitybicycle storage facilitiesoptimize energy performancehigh performance building envelopedistrict energy system

daylightingcontrollability of lightingindoor air qualityurban agricultureinnovation in designgreen building educationenhanced commissioning

NOVEMBER 6, 2012


Estimated Project Approval Timeline

the general timeframe for the design process, the neighbourhood open house information meetings, and the anticipated rezoning application submission date.

will be determined by the City of Vancouver.

PRE-DESIGN

SurveyArborist Report

Information Meeting

Information Meeting

Rezoning ApplicationSubmission

Public HearingCity Council

DESIGN PHASE

CITY REVIEW PROCESS

Sept. Nov. Jan. Mar. Oct. Dec. Feb. Apr. May

Information Meeting

DESIGN PHASE

NOVEMBER 6, 2012


6. What will happen to the current Heather Place tenants?

proposed re-development. A process is ongoing with the tenants, including four meetings which have already been held with them, to ensure open and timely communications.

7. Won’t tenants be displaced while the project is being built?We are planning to phase the development of the site to minimize the number of tenants impacted at any one time.

8. What role are your tenants playing in the planning for the new development?We are engaging our current Heather Place tenants in the planning for the new rental homes that will be developed on the site so we can do our best to meet their needs. A number of meetings have been held with them to date and future meetings will be planned.

9. How much will rents be in the new development?

the new development, will receive it if they qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will parts of the site be sold to a developer for condominiums?At the present time, no. Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation is intending the

2. How many new homes do you plan to develop on the site?We are still working our planning and design which is aimed at ensuring that

new rental homes.

3. How high will the buildings be?

would dictate that building massing on the southern part of the site would be respectful to the low-rise multi-family building forms along 14th Avenue.

suggest that a higher building form on this part of the site would be appropriate.

4. Will the new development consist of townhouses?

designing multi-family buildings that have both apartments and some ground-oriented units at the street level of the buildings.

5. What type of homes are you planning to build?

development will offer a similar range of homes, including studios, to meet the needs of a diverse mix of families, urban singles, seniors and people with disabilities across a mixed range of incomes.

The Future of the Site

Size, Density and Building Form

Current Tenants

Rents

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions. In our initial neighbourhood outreach, we have heard some of these questions and have anticipated others. We are always available to

addressed here.

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MARCH 26th, 2013


Open House Information Meeting #2 March 26th, 2013

MARCH 26th, 2013

HEATHER PLACE NEIGHBOURHOOD INFORMATIONAL MEETING %/"0%/#&12"$/&3/45%678#%779&43:7#!"0473"2&!//0435

Community Kitchen

Composting

Greenhouse

Small Tree

Wood Deck

Raised Garden Bed

Moveable Furniture

Harvest Table

Arbours over Planters

Accessible Raised Garden Bed

Water Reservoirs

Tool Storage/Washrooms

Boardwalk Spine

Tots Play

!"#$%#&'(!

Bench

MARCH 26th, 2013


A second Public Information Open House session was held on March 26, 2013, to introduce the concept plans for the re-development project with area residents and to seek their feedback and questions.

The meeting was held at the Tapestry Community Meeting Room at the corner of Heather Street and 12th Avenue, one block from the project. A notice (below) was mailed to approximately 3,800 households within at least a two block area surrounding the Heather Place site, using Canada Post’s unaddressed admail service.

The meeting was convened for a duration of three and a half hours

A DROP-IN OPEN HOUSEto learn about progress on the planning for

the proposed re-development of Heather Place (block bounded by Willow St,

Heather St, 13th Ave and 14th Ave)

TUESDAY MARCH 264:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

at Tapestry Community Meeting Rooms2821 Heather Street

(corner of Heather and 12th Ave)

METRO VANCOUVERHOUSING CORPORATION

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Janet Holton Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation

604-432-6208

You are invited to attend...

Neighbourhood Open House #2 Invitation

The following is a summary of attendance:

Total Attendees 49Registered 33

Questionnaires Returned 9Identified 6Anonymous 3

between 4:30 pm and 8:00 pm. Senior staff from MVHC were on hand to meet with residents, as were the senior architects from NSDA Architects, a representative of Bunt and Associates, the Transportation Consultant, a Principal of Perry and Associates Landscape Architects and representatives of COUNTERPOINT Communications Inc., the community engagement consultants.

Those attending were able to view a number of graphic information displays that spoke to the planning principles of guiding the project. A questionnaire was available to each attendee to complete, with four questions eliciting their input concerning the planning principles.

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MARCH 26th, 2013

HEATHER PLACE NEIGHBOURHOOD INFORMATIONAL MEETINGMARCH 26th, 2013



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MARCH 26th, 2013



Character Sketches

East Entry to Building A

View Looking Southeast Building BLaneway Entry to Building B

Entry to Community Amenity

Documents

Community Consultation - Vancouver...taken by MVHC: April 22, 2010 - Tenant Outreach Meeting – discuss building envelope problems / including redevelopment options. July 21, 2011