What's going on in St. Helen's Park, Surrey, BC?

What’s going on in St. Helen’s Park?

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Community Profile.

• Surrey n’hood built in 1950s, with some 1970s housing additions

• Low density, single-storey + basement homes

• Bounded by secondary arterials, not far from Surrey Centre


The debate.

• Must SHP become like other Surrey residential neighbourhoods?

• Should the community allow mega-homes?

• What is the long term plan for the neighbourhood?


Typical streets.• Homes set far back from

street

• No sidewalks or curbs

• Car dependent, no transit service

• No close local shopping

• No parks, public space


Cars first.

• The car rules, with lots of hard surface provided for driveways

• Some signs of poverty, but homes and yards are mostly clean and well-kept

• Very few signs of exterior upgrades


Is this sustainable?

• Poor sight-lines invite public disorder

• Where will kids play, or how can they walk safely to school?

• Where is the opportunity for growth?


Aging apartment stock.• Apartment buildings exist

on the edges of the community

• Far too low density to be sustainable in Metro Vancouver

• Little local shopping b/c not enough people, and too car dependent


Got solutions?

• Where’s the ‘win-win’ if you don’t think outside the box?

• Need to accommodate newcomers, embrace diversity, and new housing types

• Reduce car dependency


Let’s add density!

• Start with the obvious places like this plaza

• Look at putting mixed use buildings here, min. 10 storeys

• Remove surface parking; ensure good transit connections


“Rethink” the ‘hood.• Subdivide lots and remove

distance between homes

• Move closer to the street to allow more backyard space + improve public safety

• Create multi-unit homes that are pleasing to look at


Improve public realm.

• Empower communities to add value to the streets

• Place importance on shared public space

• Consider children & seniors in n’hood design


Be bold!

• Create affordability

• Value good design

• Build safe, walkable neighbourhoods

• Embrace new housing types


Documents

What's going on in St. Helen's Park, Surrey, BC?