Brightside has proposed the redevelopment of 2079-2085 West 5th Avenue, to replace the 21 existing units at Brightside’s Arbutus Court property with 200 new, affordable rental homes in the Kitsilano Community for families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Arbutus Court is an aging three-storey walk-up apartment built in 1964. The current building is one of the oldest of Brightside’s properties and is reaching the end of its serviceable life. The building does not include an elevator or other modern accessibility features that would be beneficial to the current residents who are predominantly independent-living seniors.
As part of the redevelopment, Brightside acquired the neighbouring property, a single-family dwelling located at 2079 West 5th Avenue, in order to increase the viability of the redevelopment proposal and to considerably increase the number of affordable homes on the site. The new building would also feature community-serving retail and social purpose office space.
Brightside has a track record for successful redevelopment and considerable resident relocation experience in Vancouver; this project will go well above and beyond the City of Vancouver’s new Broadway Plan Tenant Relocation and Protection Policy (TRPP). Brightside’s highly resident-centred approach to tenant relocation ensures all current residents will be fully supported throughout the relocation process. All residents that wish to exercise their Right of First Refusal will have the opportunity to return to the new building at their same rental rates based on income once complete.
Brightside has operated affordable rental homes at 5th Avenue and Arbutus Street since 2005, and has been part of the broader Kitsilano Community since 1967. This new building is intended to be Brightside’s new head office once complete.
With over 70 years of experience providing affordable homes for seniors and families that may otherwise struggle with the demands of market housing, Brightside is targeting funding that will provide maximum affordability on the site for the long term.
