Rupert Renfrew Station Area Plan Implementation
Motion 2 · Public Hearing, January 13, 2026
Summary
- Implements the Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan (approved by Council July 2025) through changes to the Zoning and Development By-law, Building By-law, and Subdivision By-law.
- City-initiated rezoning of approximately 2,580 parcels across about 200 blocks from R1-1 to R3-1, enabling low-rise apartments and mixed-use residential buildings up to six storeys (or eight storeys where 20% below-market or social housing is provided in a transit-oriented area); most affected sites are off arterial streets.
- Groundwater Protection Area established near Still Creek: underground structures (parkades, basements) prohibited within 30 metres of the creek; beyond 30 metres, underground parking permitted only if occupiable areas are no deeper than 6.5 metres below grade and the structure is fully waterproofed, to protect fish habitat and reduce groundwater diversion into storm sewers.
- Height flexibility added for I-2 (industrial) zoned sites in the Still Creek floodplain: Director of Planning may allow up to 3.5 metres of additional building height to accommodate flood construction level requirements.
- Landscape setback rules updated on employment lands: setbacks reduced on most arterials, removed on local streets, City infrastructure explicitly permitted within setbacks, and measurement method clarified.
- Three members of the public spoke in support; two written submissions in opposition raised concerns about the scale of blanket rezoning, impacts on schools and community amenities, parking, traffic, and adequacy of public consultation; one written submission in support welcomed increased housing density and commercial opportunities.