Purpose and Background

Purpose

This is the last of three community engagement sessions for a new affordable housing development at 420 Downie Street (the ‘Site’) in Revelstoke. This session presents a draft concept plan that has been developed based on feedback received at the two previous community engagement sessions (February 25 and June 10, 2020) and from the surveys received following those sessions.

·       View the Site Concept Plan

·       Watch the recording of the Community Engagement Session #3 from September 30 

·       Read the What We Heard: Community Engagement Session #2 report

To better understand the rationale, opportunities, constraints and other factors that informed the concept plan residents are encouraged to watch the Community Engagement Session #3 presentation from September 30 (live broadcast or recording) and view the draft concept plan (PDF) before completing this survey.

Feedback from this session will be used to fine-tune the final concept, which will then be submitted to the City of Revelstoke in support of the proposed site rezoning which is required to accommodate housing on the site.

Background

BC Housing owns the former Mount Begbie Elementary School site at 420 Downie Street and is exploring options for building new affordable rental housing for families, seniors and young people working in the community.

Neighbours, community members, and people who may be in need of affordable rental housing in Revelstoke are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas.

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* 1. Although the final unit count may differ this concept includes a mix of bachelor, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units for a total of 174 housing units which satisfies approximately 70% of BC Housing’s assumed rental demand for low-moderate income families, seniors and youth working in the community
How do you feel about the density and number of units proposed for the Site?

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* 2. This concept plan provides a total of 182 parking stalls with both surface and underground parking stalls being proposed. This provides 1 parking stall per housing unit and eight parking stalls for the commercial uses which is a reduction from current City of Revelstoke requirements. Adequate parking is important for the project but it’s also important to note that providing additional parking stalls directly impacts the number of housing units that can be accommodated on the site.   
Do you feel this parking arrangement is adequate?

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* 3. During the two previous community engagement sessions the community appeared to be supportive of a 4-storey building height for the site. At this final community engagement session, feedback on whether a 5-storey building (or more) would be acceptable is being sought. A taller building could allow for additional housing to be accommodated overall (i.e. more than 174 units) or it could allow more height and density to be located adjacent to Fourth Street (i.e. distribute height and density in different areas of the site).    
Although the final height distribution will be based on feedback received as part of the engagement process, the concept plan shows the potential for:

·       A 3-storey apartment building blocks with 2-storey townhome units facing Downie Street

·       A 4-storey apartment building blocks with 2-storey townhome units at Downie and Fourth Street)

·       A 5-storey apartment building blocks with 2-storey townhome units on Fourth Street at Edward Street

·       Taller?

Care has been taken to have 2-storey townhomes fronting the roads with the taller buildings located along Fourth Street and the 3-storey building on Downie Street, to reduce shadowing impacts. A 4-storey building could also be located along Downie Street if a 5-storey maximum building height isn’t the preferred approach.

What’s the maximum height that should be permitted keeping in mind that this has a direct impact on the form of development and the number of housing units that can be accommodated on the site?

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* 4. A certain amount of open space is necessary for setbacks and connectivity. Additional dedicated open space can also provide recreational and social space for residents and neighbours, such as outdoor seating, gardens, and play space. The site will be well landscaped with buffer areas and a programmable open space area has been identified between Building #1 and Building #2. Providing additional open space would impact the amount of housing that could be accommodated.

How do you feel about the amount of open space provided in the concept plan?

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* 5. High Density Concept Plan

·       174 housing units

·       3 buildings (3, 4, and 5 storey)

·       A mix of townhomes and apartments featuring bachelor, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units

·       182 parking stalls
 

Overall, how supportive are you with this concept plan?

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* 6. Do you have any additional comments about the affordable rental housing development being considered at 420 Downie Street?

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* 7. Do you live in Revelstoke?

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* 8. Do you:

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* 9. Do you live within 100 metres of 420 Downie Street?

0 of 9 answered
 

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