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City Council Approved the Location for a New Pedestrian-Cyclist Overpass over Highway 1

Option 1: Artistic rendering of the pedestrian and cyclist overpass design across Highway 1 between Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake. (City of Burnaby)

The detailed design of the pedestrian and cyclist overpass will now proceed between Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake.

Sources: City of Burnaby, Daily Hive

On Monday, November 21st, Burnaby City Council approved the staff’s recommendation of supporting the first location-based bridge option, which would provide a seamless connection between both sides of the highway and the recreational trails.

The staff’s recommendation reflects public input received from this past spring’s consultation.
As the first option takes advantage of the high terrain on both sides of the highway, it has the lowest construction cost of $16 million, since it reduces both the size of the superstructure and the length of the ramps.

The first option is the easternmost of the four location-based options, located near Claude Avenue.

Highway 1 Pedestrian Cyclist Overpass Burnaby Lake Options Map

Map showing the four location options for the Highway 1 pedestrian and cyclist overpass between Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake. (City of Burnaby)

 

The new overpass will cross Highway 1 between Glencarin Drive and Claude Avenue, allowing residents, commuters, and visitors to cross safely and comfortably. In previous communications, this was referred to as Option 1.

highway 1 burnaby lake deer lake option 1 bridge

Option 1: Artistic rendering of the pedestrian and cyclist overpass design across Highway 1 between Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake. (City of Burnaby)

 

highway 1 burnaby lake deer lake option 1 bridge

Option 1: Artistic rendering of the pedestrian and cyclist overpass design across Highway 1 between Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake. (City of Burnaby)

 

The second option, just to the west of the first, is estimated to cost $19 million, while the other two, along Sperling Avenue, are estimated to cost $59 million each.

There are two options for Sperling Avenue, adjacent to the Kensington Avenue interchange on the highway, but they are challenged by the need for a larger bridge superstructure and foundation components, as well as the cost of BC Hydro utility relocation of more than $4 million.

A third and fourth option on Sperling Avenue are also not supported by the BC Ministry of Transportation, as they would limit the possibility of expanding Highway 1 in the future, such as a widening with two additional lanes or extending the on- and off-ramps at the nearby interchange.

Highway 1 Pedestrian Cyclist Overpass Burnaby Lake Option 3 Sperling Avenue Perpendicular Crossing

Option 3: Artistic rendering of the pedestrian and cyclist overpass design across Highway 1 between Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake. (City of Burnaby)

Highway 1 Pedestrian Cyclist Overpass Burnaby Lake Option 4 Sperling Avenue Oblique Crossing

Option 4: Artistic rendering of the pedestrian and cyclist overpass design across Highway 1 between Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake. (City of Burnaby)

 

Several city councilors expressed concerns about the location of the first option since some users would have to detour to reach the other side. In addition, all four location options are located within a 500-meter zone just east of Kensington Avenue.
Some councilors, however, noted that the westernmost options present accessibility challenges as well.

In addition to being the least expensive and shortest ramp, the first option has the least environmental impact, the least geotechnical and utility challenges, and does not require any jurisdictional consent.

Joe Keithley, a city councilor, specifically suggested that the lower cost of the first option could leave money for a future overpass further east.

The provincial and federal governments have agreed to jointly fund the project, contributing $6.87 million in total.
Construction on this grant needs to begin in 2023, which makes the case for supporting the simplest design.

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New BC Laws End Rental and Age Restrictions for Strata Properties

strata restrictions

The new BC housing laws will set housing targets for municipalities and lift strata rental restrictions.

Sources: BCFSA, BIV, Times Colonist

strata restrictions

Image source: Canva

 

Premier David Eby on his fourth day in the office is introducing a suite of housing affordability measures including proposed laws that could order fast-growing municipalities to meet housing supply targets and end rental restrictions based on age or type of building.

During his leadership campaign, Eby promised to implement the measures as British Columbia is facing a growing housing crisis in which both renters and buyers require additional housing.
Proposed amendments to the Strata Property Act will become effective immediately if passed, with the proposed Housing Supply Act coming into effect in mid-2023.

Those communities in urgent need of housing stock – eight to ten are estimated by the province to fall into this category – would be required to establish housing targets as part of a Housing Supply Act.

Targets will be established in a collaborative manner. Where and how that housing is built will be decided by municipalities.
The province did not specify Monday which municipalities have been flagged as being in a state of urgency, only that they will be notified after the legislation takes effect next year.

strata restrictions

Picture source: Canva

 

A government proposal this week will amend the Strata Property Act to permanently end certain rental restrictions, including those that restrict tenants to people over 19 or 30 – essentially banning young families with children.

Additionally, the amendment will end a ban on condo owners renting their units.
There are approximately 300,000 strata units that may be subject to rental bans, according to the province. However, the Act allows stratas to ban short-term rentals, such as Airbnbs, in their bylaws.

After being sworn in in Vancouver on Friday, Eby said he planned to tackle housing issues.
During his fall leadership campaign, Eby released a housing plan intended to tackle affordability, target speculators, and protect renters.

As part of his proposed plan, a government under his leadership would speed up the approval process for affordable housing, use government land for some projects, allowing homebuilders to replace single-family houses with up to three units on the same lot, and make secondary suites legal all across the province.

There is no specific mention of secondary suites in Monday morning’s announcement.
He plans to “hit the ground running” and then provide residents with two one-time payment programs to mitigate inflation pressures.

 

To read more local news and updates please check our BLOG PAGE

To view Geoff Jarman’s Listings CLICK HERE

 

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