A White Rock councillor’s appeal to delay a public hearing for a proposed eight-storey care facility did not sway his colleagues.
Coun. Al Campbell cast the sole opposing vote on the issue last week, calling for more information.
“Clearly, there’s a lot of questions unanswered,” Campbell said of the Evergreen Baptist Care Society project. “I don’t think we’re ready for it yet. I think there’s too many grey areas.”
The facility proposed for 1550 Oxford St. would replace two existing buildings that house 107 complex-care beds, and includes an additional 92 beds that were announced by Fraser Health in October.
Residents of neighbouring Belaire building have expressed many concerns with the project – including view loss, increased traffic and blocked sunlight.
As well, there have been “a whole litany of blips and boo-boos” in the process so far, said Dennis Lypka, president of the Belaire strata council.
“It’s not just the ocean view people are concerned about. This thing is not being handled with the best transparency.”
Lypka cited signage that initially neglected to mention it was an eight-storey project; the city’s notice of a Nov. 5 public-information meeting only went to one of Belaire’s 48 units; and no requirement for a major-development permit.
He told Peace Arch News the strata’s residents will “use everything in our means to prevent the plan that’s currently conceived from going forward.”
In supporting a public hearing, Coun. Louise Hutchinson said it is a necessary step to hear what the public has to say. Without it, “we, as council, don’t have anything to base a vote on,” she said.
The public hearing is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 3 at the White Rock Community Centre (15154 Russell Ave.).
