Citynow Townhouse development proposed for Marine Drive

LaurenVanderdeen lvanderdeen@burnabynow com

Developers brought an “intriguing” proposal to build up to 90 townhomes on Marine Drive in Burnaby, but some councillors expressed concerns about the spot rezoning while the city’s official community plan is under review.

The development by CityState at the 2 52-acre property at 4420 Marine Dr would include 80 to 90 “family-oriented townhouses” with a 7,500 square-foot medical office and daycare building, and 4,600 sq. ft. of “boutique commercial space” with 10 to 12 below-market rental apartments above.

CityState development manager Aidan Shirley proposed building the two-overtwo stacked townhouses to Burnaby’s planning and development committee

July 12

CityState’s plan would see about 0.91 acres of wetland area “restored and dedicated” to the city to incorporate with neighbouring Riverway Sports Complex.

But the land is currently designated half as single/two-family residential and half as parks and public use, according to the city’s official community plan (OCP)

The OCP is currently under review, scheduled for completion in summer 2025 It will set out a new vision for the city’s growth, including future land use.

Councillors on the committee had mixed thoughts on the proposal, particularly as it would require what Coun. Pietro Calendino called “spot zoning ”

“Your proposal is intriguing, because we do need family-oriented housing, and your townhouses would be appealing,” Calendino told Shirley.

But Calendino said council doesn’t want to preclude what may happen during the OCP review by approving developments before it’s complete

Ed Kozak, the city’s general manager of planning and development, noted staff would want to consider the CityState project more before preparing a recommendation for council.

“It’s whether or not it may jeopardize the conversations we’re having with the community,” Kozak said

Coun Sav Dhaliwal said he was sympathetic to the OCP process but added councillors have been hearing from the public and the province to find ways to increase affordable homes.

Kozak said the proposal represents a “significant departure” from the current OCP but, given the need for family-oriented housing, he suggested the city should consider the issue further.

The committee unanimously referred the report to staff to come back with recommendations on the project.