"It's A Mistake": Vancouver Development Community At Odds With Retaliatory Tariffs

The City of Burnaby has officially approved the Royal Oak Community Plan, setting the stage for significant redevelopment in the neighbourhood. This plan aims to transform Royal Oak into a more vibrant, transit-friendly area with a mix of housing, businesses, and public spaces. Located between Metrotown and Edmonds, Royal Oak currently features a mix of single-family homes, industrial zones, and commercial areas.

The new plan introduces two main hubs for development: the Station Area near the Royal Oak SkyTrain station and the Village Centre at the intersection of Kingsway and Royal Oak Avenue. These areas will see the tallest buildings, with heights up to 30 storeys, especially at key sites like the former Safeway location and the current Wholesale Club property. The rest of the neighbourhood will accommodate low- to mid-rise buildings, aiming to increase housing options while maintaining community character.

A significant focus of the plan is on affordable housing. Projects like the recently completed 134-unit development at 6889 Royal Oak Avenue offer below-market rental options for low- and moderate-income households. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to provide nearly 1,500 affordable homes in Burnaby, supported by investments from the city, provincial, and federal governments.

The plan also emphasizes creating a "15-minute city," where residents can access daily necessities within a short walk or bike ride. This includes enhancing commercial corridors along Kingsway, Royal Oak Avenue, and Imperial Street with local shops and services. Additionally, the Beresford Street area is set to become a "Brewery Row," fostering creative employment opportunities and adding to the neighbourhood's appeal.

Public spaces and sustainability are key components of the plan. Improvements to parks, trails, and community amenities are planned to promote health and well-being. The plan also aims for a carbon-neutral community by 2050, encouraging walking, cycling, and transit use over car dependency.

With the Royal Oak Community Plan now in place, Burnaby is poised to guide the neighbourhood's growth thoughtfully over the coming decades. The plan balances increased density with livability, ensuring that as Royal Oak evolves, it remains a welcoming and accessible community for all residents.