Coquitlam mayor opposes massive Riverview redevelopment

Last Updated: Friday, July 27, 2007 | 10:03 AM PT

CBC News

The province has come up with an ambitious plan to redevelop the old Riverview facility in Coquitlam, but Mayor Maxine Wilson says she doubts residents will approve of it.

"Actually I think our residents are going to be quite upset," Wilson said.

The mayor has not yet been briefed by the housing minister about the plans, but said residents would oppose any high-density development that would reduce the amount of green space available. 

"We have taken a stand that we did not want to see Riverview developed for housing that did not remain as housing for people with mental health issues. It should be used for some type of institutional housing and parkland," she said. 

The massive real estate development is slated to include a combination of more than 7,000 units of market housing, low-income housing and supportive housing for the mentally ill and the disabled, according to a report published in The Vancouver Sun on Friday.

The 98-hectare Riverview site in Coquitlam was once home to the majority of the province's mentally ill patients. Many of the buildings on the park-like grounds are now empty and derelict, but some remain open and patients are still being treated there.

Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan has publicly stated he believes the derelict buildings should be re-opened to provide housing for the homeless and mentally ill.

Wilson said Housing Minister Rich Coleman hasn't approached her about the plan yet, but she expects a call early next week.

Coleman was not available for comment when called by the CBC.