Dear Supporters,
Some disturbing information has come to our attention recently regarding the rezoning application that we are opposing for 4575 Granville St next to the hospice (the Public Hearing continues tonight at 6:00 pm). Those of you who watched our presentation at the hearing on Thursday will already be aware of this, but we felt it was important to share this with all of our supporters.
 
Last Thursday we discovered a real estate website that was listing the 21 proposed units at 4575 Granville St as pre-sale condos. We spoke to an agent who assured us they were for sale, and provided a cost estimate of $1500 per square foot.
 
This discovery was shocking, as the rezoning application - submitted under the Interim Rezoning Policy for Affordable Housing Choices - includes a clear stipulation that these units are NOT to be sold, but are to be used as secured market rental housing for a term of 60 years or the life of the building (whichever is greater).

The listing has since been deleted, but we were able to take screen shots of the site and distribute the information to City Councillors.
SEE SCREEN SHOTS HERE 

Unfortunately, Council had previously decided that questions to City Staff would only be permitted at the end of the Hearing.   
 
While we want to be clear that we are not making specific accusations, this discovery has raised some very important questions for us: 

• Has the applicant had alternate intentions for these units that was not disclosed in the rezoning application?
• How can the public be assured that required housing agreements between developers and the City will not be amended later in order to allow them to be sold on the condo market; resulting in huge financial gain to developers?

We believe that these and others are extremely important issues that need to be addressed in order to ensure a fair and transparent Public Hearing process. 
 
We are standing firm in our conviction that this rezoning application should not be approved due to its form, massing, and proximity to the hospice; which will result in the following ongoing detrimental impacts on hospice operations:

• Blocked access due to the inadequate single-vehicle back lane.
• Decreased privacy for patients & families due to onlookers (particularly from balconies and vehicles).
• General noise & disruption due to increased activity. 

We are also deeply concerned about the impending reality of hospice closure due to the massive excavation that will be required to build an underground parking lot prior to construction of the two townhouse blocks. We consulted a professional builder who confirmed that the impacts of an excavation project such as this are MUCH greater than that of a single-family home (even with a basement).

The public has been sending a very clear message to Council that they expect continued and uninterrupted access to end-of-life care services at Vancouver Hospice.

There is still time to submit a letter in opposition to this project by emailing: publichearing@vancouver.ca

You can also register to speak until 5:00 pm today through the following link, or in person at City Hall between 5:30 & 6:00 pm.

To register to speak, watch the live feed of the Hearing, or check for updates & results: CLICK HERE
 
If you are speaking, be prepared for a long night. You may want to bring snacks & water. Also be prepared for the Hearing to be extended to an additional day.
 
We are immensely grateful for your ongoing encouragement and support!
 
Stephen P Roberts, VHS Board Chair
Simini Tabrizi, VHS Executive Director