What's going on around 22nd Street Station? > Big changes promised for Connaught Heights Aaron Guillen Staff Reporter Wwe Metro Vancouver's steadily-growing population, the need for increased housing is imminent. The City of New Westminster has their sights set on a dramatic scenic overhaul around 22nd Street Station. With an expansive view of the Fraser River and the cities it snakes through, the low-density residential area surrounding the station is being observed, with big plans ahead. According to their Official Community Plan, New Westminster has considered placing several high-rises and townhouses in close proximity to the SkyTrain, with single-family homes stretching out beyond in green-space areas. In late January, city council proposed three options for the land between 23rd Street and 20th Street, and Sixth Avenue and Edinburgh Street. The first option includes four high- rises and three blocks of mid-rises. The second option includes six towers and two blocks of mid-rises. The third option includes eight high- rises, with a small amount of land used for townhouses. Discussions are still being flushed out as council is concerned about how the area will look in the next 25 years, noting that there will be divisions among residents. If there’s one thing that is for sure, it’s the fact that the council is confident in its decision to introduce high-rises around the 22nd SkyTrain Station. “This scenario allows a greater number of people to live in close proximity to the SkyTrain station,” explained a staff report from city officials. “The higher population near the station also better supports the amount of commercial proposed, since there will be more customers in the area. This makes it more likely that an anchor tenant could be attracted to the area. This form of development would also likely result in a higher amenity contribution, which would be put toward amenities in the area.” “I think that this particular piece of the OCP is potentially one of the most challenging, but also exciting because we could see quite remarkable change there over several years,” said New Westminster City councillor Mary Trentadue to the New Westminster Record. “We have to keep reminding ourselves that this OCP will take us to 2040, which is a long way off. I think we are certainly going in the right direction.” The objectives of the land use designations rely on integrating the high-rise future around the SkyTrain Station, providing an open neighbourhood atmosphere, and establishing a pedestrian-oriented area with limited commercial uses. New Westminster City councillor Patrick Johnstone shared his concern for mobility with the New Westminster Record by noting that the Connaught Heights area surrounding 22nd SkyTrain Station is heavily dependent on vehicles for transport. With scarce sidewalks and fewer commercial spaces, a massive overhaul in the future might be needed to bring the SkyTrain station area into a new era. Photos by Analyn Cuarto BC Hydro’s Seed Initiative promises city-wide improvements > Upgrades to substations provide opportunity for change Greg Waldock Staff Writer C Hydro has officially proposed the Seed project to the Vancouver Parks Board, a large-scale public construction project aimed to improve the communities of the West End and Yaletown, while also building and upgrading two important power substations in the city. The Seed project will focus on schools, parks, and greenways. The ambitious initiative was jointly proposed to the Park Board of Vancouver and the general public, with BC Hydro waiting for approval and feedback from both before proceeding. According to a release from BC Hydro, the city’s demand for electricity over the next 30 years will increase by more than 75 per cent, with two major substations being decommissioned soon. Upgrades and replacements are needed to keep up with Vancouver's increasing energy demand, and the Park Board’s desire for unobtrusive power stations and general livability has pushed the utility company towards this community-oriented approach. Specifically, the program will aim to fund two new schools: one in Coal Harbour, and the other in the West End. There are also planned refurbishments and upgrades to Emery Barnes Park and substation, and a total overhaul of the Cathedral Square Park and substation. Park amenities and green spaces are also planned for Image via Wikimedia locations around the same areas. The initiative has been lauded by the Park Board, although they will only move forward with the Seed project with sufficient public support. The program announcement comes at a time when the Cathedral Square Park substation is beginning to show the wear and tear of age. Finished in 1984, the power station was a first in North America, integrated underground into the build of the city itself. It was met with widespread critical acclaim at the time, though now it is outdated and the park around it has fallen into a small degree of disrepair. The Emery Barnes Park substation is also due for either an upgrade or complete replacement to meet with energy demands and safety standards. The Seed Project is predicted to be decades-long, with the soonest date being the refurbishment of Cathedral Square Park by 2020, and the latest being an overhaul of that same substation by 2050, with other smaller funds for schools and community projects having no definitive date. Though a full price is unconfirmed, the Park Board has said to the Metro that it will be “in the tens of millions.”