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Massive SFU plan gets OK Rezoning bylaw allows UniverCity to start developing 1.2 million square feet of new homes Janaya Fuller-Evans
staff reporter
Burnaby council approved the rezoning of 12 parcels of land in the UniverCity development on Burnaby Mountain. The rezoning bylaw was the next necessary step in developing approximately 1.2 million square feet of residential density across in the area, according to UniverCity director Gordon Harris. “It is also the first bylaw in North America to include defined requirements for sustainability and energy use,” he said. Harris is president and CEO of the SFU Community Trust, which is in charge of overseeing the UniverCity project. UniverCity, near Simon Fraser University, is a mixed-use community with single- and multi-unit dwellings. It is designed to house up to 10,000 people. UniverCity began about six years ago, according to Harris, and currently houses about 3,000 people. The rezoning means development can begin on two new residences. Porte Development’s Origin project, which is designed to include 74 condos, will be located at University High Street and Tower Road. Mosaic Homes’ Nest project is the second development in the area, with Development Page 4
Jason Lang/burnaby now
The green team: Mason Woochuck, 13, helps plant trees at BCIT on Sunday as part of a celebration of a new community garden designed and built by a group of youths. The project was part of a summer camp program run by Catching the Spirit, a non-profit group affiliated with Metro Vancouver. The camp is organized by youth, for youth, and is designed to promote leadership and environmental stewardship for kids aged 12 to 18. Catching the Spirit runs programs in four regional parks, across Metro Vancouver, with more than 250 young participants each year. The parks are Pacific Spirit, Burnaby Lake, Tynehead and Capilano River.
Pay hikes get minister’s attention Janaya Fuller-Evans
staff reporter
Provincial ministers should not interfere in the pay rates of municipal politicians, according to Coun. Pietro Calendino. Calendino made the statement, arguing voters can determine for themselves whether or not to vote in politicians who have approved pay raises, following comments by Community and Rural
Development Minister Ben Stewart about Port Coquitlam’s recent council raises. Port Coquitlam council’s decision follows on the heels of recent pay raises for Burnaby’s mayor and councillors earlier this month. As for Port Coquitlam, Calendino said the municipality has a right to determine its own pay rates. “It’s their choice,” he said. Calendino thinks the minister should
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worry about provincial rather than municipal pay rates. “The minister should look in his own backyard,” Calendino said. “Don’t interfere with municipalities. Leave the municipalities alone.” Stewart, who is in charge of B.C. municipalities, is reviewing whether or not Port Coquitlam’s increases are justified. Pay hike Page 5
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