Public feedback prompts White Rock council to shift its community hub plan to City Hall site, moving away from earlier highrise proposal in uptown area.
Uptown Plan Rejected Following Public Response
White Rock City Council has reversed its initial preference for a 12-storey community hub in the uptown core, following strong opposition from residents. At the July 21 council meeting, Mayor Megan Knight announced that the proposed development will now refocus on the existing City Hall site on Buena Vista Avenue.
Initial Proposal Included Highrise, Housing, and Services
The initial plan, selected on January 27 based on a report by Urban Systems, proposed selling part of the City Hall block to fund a highrise mixed-use building. The concept included affordable housing, civic offices, youth and senior services, and a replacement for the local library and daycare. Mayor Knight had at the time predicted public engagement would be crucial to moving forward.
Majority Favors City Hall Site
Community response has been decisive. Surveys and petitions submitted to the city revealed that 82.4% of residents preferred redeveloping the community hub at the current City Hall location. Knight noted this sentiment echoed exactly what council was hoping to learn from the consultation process.
Public Engagement Praised as Key to Process
Mayor Knight credited the high level of community engagement—through surveys, open houses, and informal discussions—since senior project manager Darcy Dupont was appointed. Knight also confirmed that a $10 million fund has been earmarked for the hub’s development, adjusting the project’s financial framework.
Council Reflects on the Consultation Journey
Several councillors, including Elaine Cheung and Bill Lawrence, acknowledged that while the process has been lengthy and non-linear, it ultimately succeeded in capturing resident sentiment. Councillor David Chesney emphasized that he and others had consistently opposed the uptown hub plan from the beginning.
Next Steps and Further Public Input
Mayor Knight announced plans to launch a new Community Hub Steering Committee this fall, inviting residents to take part in shaping the project. Meanwhile, public consultation continues:
- Survey No. 3 (focused on priorities and trade-offs) is open until August 8 at talkwhiterock.ca/communityhub.
- Survey No. 4 (focused on massing and design) will be discussed at an open house on August 28 from 5–8 p.m. at the White Rock Community Centre.
White Rock’s community hub project remains a developing story, with public involvement shaping its future at every step.
