White Rock moves forward with 78-unit apartment near Peace Arch Hospital, with 20% designated affordable rentals under new housing policy.
Development Gains Approval Near Key Health Hub
A major residential development is set to reshape the Maple Street corridor in White Rock, as city council advances a six-storey, 78-unit apartment building located at 1589 Maple Street, near Peace Arch Hospital. During its June 23 meeting, the council granted second and third readings to the required rezoning bylaw, paving the way for a significant addition to the city’s housing stock.
Location and Design in Focus
The project will rise at the corner of Maple Street and North Bluff Road, a strategic location offering proximity to healthcare facilities, transit routes, and community amenities. Designed as a market strata building, the development includes a key housing component—20% of the units will be allocated as affordable rental housing, a move aligned with British Columbia’s broader housing initiatives.
New Policy Changes Shape Approval Process
Notably, the rezoning process did not include a public hearing due to recent changes under B.C.’s small-scale multi-unit housing policy. This provincial policy aims to expedite housing developments by reducing procedural delays, especially for projects that align with housing affordability goals.
Conditions for Final Approval Set
While the council’s support moves the project closer to reality, final adoption is conditional. Requirements include the dedication of a five-metre-by-five-metre corner cut at the intersection, an additional 2.8-metre dedication along North Bluff Road, and the registration of all necessary covenants and rights-of-way. Developers must also adhere to an approved arborist report during demolition and construction phases.
Environmental and Landscaping Considerations
Environmental stewardship is being addressed through mandatory compliance with arborist recommendations. Additionally, the developer must submit a finalized cost estimate for landscaping, ensuring that green space and aesthetic features meet community standards and remain sustainable throughout the building’s lifecycle.
Meeting Housing Needs with Balanced Growth
The Maple Street development represents White Rock’s commitment to increasing residential density while maintaining thoughtful urban planning. With affordability provisions and strategic oversight, the city is working to balance market growth and accessibility, addressing urgent housing demands across British Columbia.
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