TOD Around Vancouver's New Rapid Transit, But What Kind?

The rapid transit line is being built in conjunction with the city's preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympics. And though the line is still under development, the debate over its future has been brewing for a while.

"On one side are companies like PCI Group, which are seeking to rezone a piece of industrial land at the foot of Cambie Street for a significant commercial/residential mixed use project. They clearly see an opportunity to maximize profits by converting cheaper industrial land (in this case next to the Marine Drive station) to condos and shops.

On the other side are bureaucrats and planners from city hall who worry that the new line is putting pressure on Vancouver's dwindling - but very important - industrial land base."

A report heading to committee this week calls on the city council to state once again its position against the conversion of industrial land for residential uses.