APPENDIX C

Marine Drive HOR - Public Consultation

Summary of Comments from September 19 and 21, 2000 Open Houses

About 45 people attended the two Open Houses including residents, interested developers, and industrial representatives. Comments are summarized as follows:

· need firm boundaries-concern that HOR will increase industrial property values and assessments, impacting existing businesses and tenants both in and adjacent to HOR area;
· extend boundary south to Kent Avenue, include frontages along Ontario, Main and Fraser Streets, extend boundary east to Ross Street;
· do not restrict type of merchandise;
· too many businesses along Marine already, big box retail is an eyesore, big box will impact downtown, Oakridge and businesses in area;
· current manufacturing/retail mix employs more people than big box would, more options for smaller retail under I-2;
· HOR could increase traffic congestion, impact industrial operations and residential quality;
· landscaped setback not respected or enforced; and
· parking should be allowed at front of HOR sites where it is visible.

Summary of Comments from March 14, 2001 Open House

About 50 people attended the Open House including residents, interested developers and industrial representatives. Comments are summarized as follows:

· too much traffic already on side streets and Marine Drive (already noisy and congested);
· move trucks off Marine to Kent; improve Kent Ave North and South-- designate one for trucks and one for bikes/pedestrians;
· Marine Drive `curve' dangerous, straighten Marine - move alignment south;
· limit access to residential streets, install traffic light at Ontario and Marine for bikes and pedestrians only, traffic on Ontario has worsened since it became a bikeway; Manitoba and Prince Edward also used for shortcutting by trucks;
· HOR proposal contradicts City policy to support neighbourhood centres and reduce auto dependence;
· prefer more small scale retail in area; mix HOR with smaller retail space;
· concern about Oakridge survival; too much competition with other regional shopping centres; and
· need more shopping choices in Vancouver, especially south-east;
· extend boundary to include properties between Fraser and St. George to Kent Ave;
· extend boundary to Knight Street Bridge to allow more variety in big box, not just Walmart;
· build in wheelchair access for older residents, families and people from nearby old folks' homes;
· improve access to the river.
· prefer the educational, cultural and recreational uses or car lots or neighbourhood police station, no Walmart;
· HOR and increased traffic will devalue residential property;
· big box trend losing popularity and already available nearby in Richmond; and
· concern about increased crime, crowds, especially with relocation of Great Canadian Casino.