KINGSWAY – AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING

The project is an example of partnership approach between City of Burnaby, BC Housing and non-profit societies to developing affordable non-market and below-market housing.

A competitive RFP process was issued for six City-owned sites with the aim to receive submissions that demonstrate the ability to deliver non-market projects in a short timeframe, in addition to the expertise operating affordable housing units. Based on the review of received submissions, Catalyst Community Developments Society (Catalyst) emerged as the successful proponent for this site located along Kingsway and 16th Avenue, with Integra Architecture providing the development concept.

The early concept drawings have helped to reveal site constraints, neighbourhood context, and the appropriate scale of development. A six-storey, 163-unit mixed-income rental building was proposed for this site, informed by considerable site analysis and conceptual designs, including the contemplation of the scale of the building in relation to adjacent single-family and multi-family residential buildings. The project further proposes 20% of units to be wheelchair accessible, high energy efficiency elements, including compliance with BC Energy Step Code 4, and a large indoor and outdoor amenity space.

The City offers a 99-year lease at a nominal rate, as well as an expedited approval process. This partnership also relies on federal government funding and financing opportunities, as well as long-term oversight of project maintenance and affordability.

The original proposal was further developed in the detailed design stage accommodating total of 203 affordable rental units with 40% of family sized units larger than 1-bedroom. The building’s architectural character is West Coast Contemporary inspired that fits comfortably within the Edmonds-HighGate Village vibrant neighbourhood.

  • Project Type

    Apartments

  • Building Type

    Mid-rise

  • Construction Type

    Wood-frame

  • Location

    Burnaby

  • Developer / Client

    Catalyst Community Developments Society

  • Energy Rating

    BC Energy Step Code (Step 4)

  • Status

    In Development