Under conditional zoning, it could operate as a hospice, hospital, group home or any other use that could be custodial in nature involving drug or alcohol treatment. Of these uses, hostelling will cause the least impacts on the neighbourhood. Mr. John Hopkins, Executive Director, Hostelling International B.C., explained the structure and function of his organization, the reasons for acquiring a new facility and the manner in which the new hostel will complement the existing neighbourhood. Vancouver is one of the most popular destinations for hostellers in North America, and in the summer months, the Hostelling International facility at Jericho is in full capacity and turns away approximately 100 persons per day. The proposed facility will enrich the West End economically and culturally and will create jobs for residents.
Hostels are more than just an inexpensive place to sleep, they are about creating community.
Responding to a question from a member of Council, Mr. Hopkins advised the new facility will be wheelchair accessible and International Hostelling B.C. will be giving consideration to making the Jericho facility wheelchair accessible, as it will be considering a number of renovations once this new hostel is on-stream. The application was opposed on the basis that it contradicts the West End Residential Area Policy Plan which was adopted through a comprehensive public process in the late 1980s. At that time, there was division on many issues but, unanimity on the issue that no hotels be allowed in the residential area. The neighbourhood is opposed to hostels in the residential community and the criteria used to evaluate this application by the Planning Department could be indicative of any location in the West End. A 225-bed hostel will lead to thousands of people coming and going at this location on a monthly basis.