UniverCity development entering final phase.

UniverCity is taking down the parking lot and putting up a sustainable residential development in its place.

The Simon Fraser University Community Trust is moving forward with Phase Four of its development on top of Burnaby Mountain near Simon Fraser University.
Read more: http://www.burnabynow.com/UniverCity+development+entering+final+phase/6547525/story.html#ixzz1tisgDU89

The City of Vancouver is embarking on a comprehensive community planning program in the Marpole neighbourhood.

The Marpole Community Plan program will take place over an 18-21 month time period starting in April 2012 and is expected to be completed in 2013.

Community Open Houses

Drop by to learn more about the community planning process and how to get involved.

Wednesday, May 2, 5 – 9 pm
Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre
990 West 59th Avenue (at Oak Street)

Saturday, May 5, 11am – 3 pm
8138 Granville Street

For further information.

A development is being proposed for the White Spot and adjacent lands at Cambie & West 12th, near City Hall. Shato Holdings Ltd. has applied to the City of Vancouver to rezone 2806-2850 Cambie Street and 454 West 12th Avenue from C-2C and RT-6  to CD-1 to allow a 6 to 8-storey mixed-use development, with approximately 20,000 sq. ft. of retail space, 138 residential units, and 194 parking spaces.

The proposal includes a max. height of 105.5 ft. and an FSR of 4.41. The proposal also includes the preservation of the heritage house at 454 West 12th Avenue and its relocation to West 13th Avenue, and the re-alignment of the lane to exit onto West 12th Avenue.

More details on the proposal.

11 North Vancouver schools for sale ­ or not.

The North Vancouver Board of Education is likely to find some stiff opposition to a proposal that could involve selling off 11 school district owned properties that are no longer needed.

Debt financing for most commercial real estate assets in Metro Vancouver is readily available as lenders continue to offer mortgage rates underpinned by historically low interest rates. Are interest rates on the rise? Many are speculating as to when a hike will occur, with most believing this will take place in late 2012 or early 2013.

The yield on 5-year GOC bonds remains below 2.0% which is supporting rates as low as 4.00% on commercial real estate debt.

Source: Bank of Canada