Consultation feedback program underway for proposed 11th Avenue East housing plans

An artists rendering of the proposed housing complex
on 11th Avenue East at Edwards Avenue 
(from consultation material from Lax Kw'alaams Housing Society)

After a few weeks of social media commentary and a pair of rival petitions (pro) and (con) on change.org, the proponents of the proposed housing complex for 11th Avenue East are now asking for comments towards their plans for development off the foot of Edwards Avenue.

The City of Prince Rupert introduced the consultation on Friday with a short Social Media post on the city's Facebook page, outlining how residents of the city could participate.

From there, a click on your mouse takes you to the consultation destination, which features a collection of drawings to provide some clarity on what the proposed development would look like and what kind of profile it will deliver upon completion.

The project for the Lax Kw'alaams Housing Society has been designed by Human Studio and Michael Green Architecture.

Among the notes, the Lax Kw'alaams Housing Project information sheet observes that the proponents will be working with the City of Prince Rupert and BC Housing to provide for high quality affordable housing options to meet the current and future needs of Lax Kw'alaams members in Prince Rupert. 

The project team is also seeking a height variance over the locations current zoning of a two storey maximum, as well they note that exterior artwork for the proposed building is being designed by Tsimshian artists.

All images above from Lax Kw'alaams Housing Society consultation

Some of the process for the project with the city includes: working with the architectural team to ensure that the surrounding area is not unduly impacted, with a traffic study currently underway to review neighbourhood impacts. 

As well, the proponents are working closely with the City of Prince Rupert to maintain the natural beauty of this site. WAAP will lease the land from the City to bring affordable housing to the community. All environmental setbacks will be maintained in accordance with the municipal and provincial regulations.  

The City has noted that the Lax Kw’alaams WAAP Housing Society has also sent information pamphlets to all residents within a 200 metre radius of the proposed site.

There is no timeline listed on the feedback form as to when the deadline for participation is.

The last mention of the 11th Avenue proposal in public at a City Council session was in November, 2020.

You can review some of the past history of the 11th Avenue proposal here.