My name is Rae, I am 27 years old and I am a resident in Tower East of Lougheed Village community complex. This morning we received a notice outlining a building proposal for three new towers, replacing the surrounding community space. This will impact not only us but our neighbouring communities as well. If one land assembly gets approved for re-zoning it will spread to all the surrounding communities here. Honestly I am heartbroken. I’ve been living in this community since December of 2020, and in this short time, it has become my home. With this petition i would like to share our voices in an to attempt to reach someone, anyone, involved in the process of seeing out re-zoning requests and building proposals, and to strongly encourage them to consider denying it for the benefit of the community.

     Over the past 4 years, I have gained an overwhelming appreciation for the present community plan. Two towers, Tower East and Tower West, twenty-three storeys each. Accompanied by two eight storey apartments, Willow Lake Lodge and Lougheed Lodge. Each arranged catty corner to its respective partner. The planning is balanced and thoughtful. With space for the community to thrive, and breathe.

     To the west/north-west, between Tower East and Willow Lake lodge, there is a park and a small man-made lake. Home to diverse wildlife; with a thriving turtle, fish and bird population, including a resident heron; this green-space is an integral part of what makes this property so special. Around this lake is a path where community members come to enjoy its peace. Elderly, people with dogs, and young families alike come to walk, breathe, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Birds singing, turtles basking in the sun, and fish and ducks swimming lazily. This is where they intend on building “Tower North”.

     Built in late 1960’s to early 1970’s with its completion happening in 1973, this property acts as a unique time capsule. A glimpse into a dream of a healthy thriving community. Accompanying this sweet environment, in the middle, connecting everything, is Lougheed Village Mall. A vintage two-storey retail village. The space; left in its original form, un-renovated; transports you to when the quality of people’s lives took precedent. Above, on the roof of this, there is a thoughtful green-space for the residents. Gone unused for years due to neglect from the landowners, Metcap Living, the rooftop sits and awaits the opportunity to thrive once again. This, is where they intend on building “Tower Middle”.

      The third and final green-space, where they intend on building “Tower South”, is the last border of greenscape separating this quaint community and busy Lougheed Highway. This last degree of separation ensures this safe pedestrian space stays a place of enjoyment, even with its proximity to Lougheed Mall, Highway 7 and Highway 1.

     Lougheed Village Stands as a stronghold of what we aspire to have; in BC, and as Canadians. Harmony between environment and community living. Past and present. Especially in this age, where there is so much political uncertainty, community is essential for our health as human beings. The destruction and elimination of these green community spaces, simply for capital gain, comes as no surprise from this landowner considering our past and present interactions with them and their blatant disregard for the wellbeing of their residents. But it is a worthwhile cause to save the irreplicable community so carefully thought out by Western Pacific Projects in 1964.

     Ultimately I fear that Burnaby, its beautiful remaining biodiversity, and community life will succumb to the isolating large-scale urbanization that we already see happening. I strongly believe any effort to save what we have, especially so close to the greenbelt neighbouring Burnaby Mountain, will have lasting effects that will impact how the surrounding area will look in the decades to come. With these proposed developments, the new buildings not only will absorb existing community space but will be 14 storeys taller than any surrounding building on the west side of Lougheed Mall. Changing the trend for buildings in the area to come. 

     The preservation of quality of life in BC is a cause worthwhile. I am begging the attention of someone who might be able to make a difference. I am speaking on behalf of the community. Our connection to the land is often forgotten in modern times, but i find it crucial now more than ever that we remember what community and green space can do for people, acknowledging that life should not be dictated by monetary value or capitalist gain.

     I thank you for your consideration in the safekeeping of Lougheed Village community space. We cannot let these capitalist landowner companies tell us that we do not have a voice, we deserve to be heard.