Penny Noble only Vancouver Council candidate to link affordability to neighbourhood character retention
Oct. 17, 2018, VANCOUVER /CNW/ - "I am surprised I appear to be the only Vancouver Council candidate making the connection between retaining character homes and affordability," Penny Noble says. "It is possible to have both increased density and more affordable options without destroying neighbourhoods," she says.
"I feel as if the heart and soul is being ripped out of our city, when I see yet another orange fence signalling the demolition of a heritage or character house, or yet another beloved local business shuts down," says Noble, independent candidate for Vancouver City Council.
"Each year 1,000 character or heritage homes are demolished in Vancouver, many with rental suites or the whole house rented. Not only do we lose our character and history but we lose more affordable housing options including rentals. And what replaces them is certainly not affordable, and often no one even lives in them," she says.
Noble is also concerned about the loss of walk up apartment buildings as well as older apartments above ground floor local businesses in popular shopping and socializing areas, "The very reason people live in a certain neighbourhood is disappearing, such as being known by the local shop keepers, and walking to amenities," she says.
"These buildings get replaced with much more expensive developments, with both renters and local street level businesses forced to leave."
Noble suggests two suites be allowed in a house, and a new system that fast tracks and simplifies the approval process. "These suites can be in any part of the house, not just basements, even in small houses. I would like to see the City provide basic template designs and guidelines to make it easier, faster and cost-effective to create safe, bright, affordable suites."
"I have seen several in fairly small houses that worked well," she said. "If a laneway house was also allowed that means three rental units on one property-gentle densification without taking away from the look and character of the neighbourhood. This still allows small front gardens and green spaces for families." She acknowledges some new builds are necessary but can be done with thoughtful planning.
Noble, previously a Vancouver School Trustee, now running for Council, has been endorsed by both the Vancouver Character House Network and Vancouver Vanishes.
SOURCE Penny Noble
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