A B.C. union’s proposal for its new Lower Mainland headquarters with an “affordable” housing component in Burnaby has exposed a sizable rift in a traditionally labour-oriented city council.
The B.C. Government and Services Employees’ Union submitted an application late last year to develop five lots on Palm Avenue into its new Lower Mainland area office, along with “affordable” daycare and rental housing.
That housing is expected to include around 300 units in total, with at least half being at “affordable” rates, defined in this case as being affordable to members of its union. The level of affordability and the number of child-care spaces planned are yet to be determined.
Two independent councillors voted against the city considering the proposal, with one suggesting it offered a sweetheart deal to the union and the other calling the proposal’s appearance before council “fishy.”
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