ROYAL OAK – RENTAL HOUSING

This project is an example of a successful 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 an expedited timeframe, in addition to the expertise operating affordable housing units. Catalyst Community Developments Society (Catalyst) with Integra Architecture Inc, providing design concept, emerged as the successful proponent for this site in addition to Kingsway Avenue site (7392 16th Avenue).

The development is a 6-storey mixed-use affordable rental housing apartment located along the Royal Oak Avenue neighborhood in Burnaby. Six commercial units and a covered parking area is on the first floor with 5 levels of wood framed apartments above, providing a total of 134 residential units. An amenity space is located on 2nd level, facing into the outdoor courtyard to the west, allowing to visually and actively take part in the community opportunities offered both inside and out. The building common spaces are designed to follow universal design principles such that residents and visitors with various levels of mobility will be able to use the spaces. The building includes 20% of the units, which meet the accessibility requirements of the City of Burnaby, BC Housing and CMHC Co-Investment program. The building is designed to meet the sustainability and energy efficiency requirements of both BC Housing (Step Code 3) and CMHC Co-Investment programs requiring 25% decrease in energy consumption and GHG emissions. The design also had to meet the requirements outlined in the BC Housing Design Guidelines and Construction Standards.

Watch  –   Royal Oak Project Video