West Southlands Residents Association
Neighbourhood News
VANCOUVER PLAN
(photo credit: Werner Bayer, Flickr)
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The Vancouver Plan, a 30-year City strategy was adopted in 2022. Pursuant to the plan, the City proposed adding "missing middle housing" to all residential areas. The proposal was passed by council in September 2023, allowing 4 units on every 33-ft lot and 6 units on every 50 to 66-ft lot. There are exceptions that affect our neighbourhood: homes with designated heritage status; and lots in designated floodplain.
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FLOOD PREVENTION
In the summer of 2023, a detailed topographical survey was done by the City to identify areas of flood risk. This is part of the ongoing follow-up of our neighbourhood after the extreme rainfall of November 2021. Work on some drainage issues on 49th west of Dunbar is planned for early 2024.
Other measures have included
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drainage engineers coming for site visits
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drainage fixed at Collingwood & 49th, Alma & 48th, 49th east of Dunbar, 50th west of Dunbar
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Dunbar & Wallace tide gates fixed
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ditches cleaned out & dug deeper
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curb inlets installed to control runoff across Marine Dr
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pump placed at foot of Wallace
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catch basins checked & cleared
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frequent neighbourhood checks during heavy rains & high tides
ANNUAL MEETING NOTES
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NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS
2022 Dec Newsletter ( 简讯ä¸æ–‡ )
2022 August Newsletter ( 简讯ä¸æ–‡ )
2021 Dec Newsletter ( 简讯ä¸æ–‡ )
To be on our newsletter email list, send your email & street address to wsouthlands300@gmail.com
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TRAFFIC CONTROL
In June 2023, the City made 51st Avenue safer by lowering its speed limit to 30 km/h, installing speed humps, and repainting the crosswalk at the Wallace Trail. We are still advocating for the speed limit everywhere in the neighbourhood to be reduced to 30 km/h.
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CHANGES AT THE AIRPORT
NavCan is planning changes to airport flight paths meant to reduce noise and plane emissions using sophisticated navigation technology. A public information & consultation process is underway. Information to date suggests it will not affect our neighbourhood.
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WINGS OVER IONA
Saturday, September 16 2023 from 11 am to 2 pm, at the South Jetty of Iona Beach Regional Park: mark one of nature’s wonders – the fall migration of shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl.
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IONA TREATMENT PLANT
The Highbury Interceptor (see below) takes Vancouver sewage to the 60-year-old Iona Treatment Plant on the south side of the Fraser. Work is underway on a $10-billion upgrade of the plant from primary to tertiary treatment.
It is being proposed that barges be used to minimize dump truck traffic during construction. A barge berth site on the river is being studied. Public engagement about it will be held on October 5, 2023 from 6 to 8 pm, at the Dunbar Community Centre or via Zoom. To confirm your participation & receive the Zoom link, email Ionawwtp@metrovancouver.org
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HIGHBURY INTERCEPTOR
The washroom at the Interceptor Air Management Building in Musqueam Park is open during the day.
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New filters were installed in August 2022 to eliminate recent odours coming from the building.
A sign at the building indicates a site to assemble in case of emergency at the facility. It is meant for Metro staff and doesn't signal any risk to the community.
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简讯ä¸æ–‡
The newsletter is posted also in Chinese, translated by director Cynthia Fung.
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