Dear Editor,
Re: “Rental building proposed in south Richmond opposed by neighbours”
Thank you for the recent article in the Richmond News. We appreciate you bringing attention to the proposed rezoning at 10471 No. 3 Road (File: RZ 25-012598) and giving a voice to the significant concerns of the Maple Grove community.
Your article accurately captured the core of our opposition: this is not a case of residents being against development, but against an inappropriate and out-of-scale project that threatens the character and safety of our neighbourhood.
As you noted, the lot is currently zoned for up to four "ground-oriented" homes, a form of gentle densification that could be suitable. However, the proposal for a three-story, 27-unit apartment building is a radical departure.
It requires a major amendment to the Official Community Plan (OCP), which designates this area as "Neighbourhood Residential" for single-family homes and townhouses. This would set a dangerous precedent, suggesting that the city's own long-term plans can be easily overturned for a single development.
The concerns you listed are not abstract fears; they are rooted in predictable outcomes.
The strain on our local schools is a critical issue. The Richmond School District's own data confirms that our local elementary school, Maple Lane, is already operating above capacity, with that trend projected to continue. Adding 26 new family-friendly units, as the developer proposes, would only worsen this existing deficit.
Furthermore, traffic safety on No. 3 Road is a major concern.
The city's own data has identified this corridor as a high-collision zone, yet staff have recommended against speed reductions to prioritize traffic flow.
Adding hundreds of daily vehicle trips and inevitable overflow parking onto quiet side streets like Goldstream Place, where children play, is an unacceptable risk.
Thank you again for your important coverage.
We believe in responsible development that respects the community, and we will continue to advocate for a solution that aligns with the established character and planned future of Maple Grove.
Evelyn and Michael Mikulin
Michael Faille
Terence Yagami
Richmond
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