Approve CD-1 Rezoning 3553-3563 East Hastings Street

Motion 5 · Public Hearing, March 5, 2026

Carried Location 3553-3563 East Hastings Street Moved by Lenny Zhou Watch recording

Summary

Rezoning of a vacant site on the north side of East Hastings Street adjacent to the Kootenay Loop bus exchange from C-2C1 to CD-1 for an 18-storey, 178-unit mixed-use rental building with 20% below-market units at 10% below CMHC citywide average rents.
Site is within Tier 4 of the transit-oriented areas policy; proposed height (18 storeys) and density (8.6 FSR) exceed the TOA baseline but were supported by staff based on broader urban design review and the site's transit proximity.
A former tenant of PCI's nearby Yarrow building raised concerns about management practices and tenant protections following that building's sale; staff clarified housing agreements are registered on title for 60 years and survive ownership changes, and that annual reporting and five-year income verification are required.
Other speakers raised concerns about neighbourhood character, parking impacts, and whether the development model delivers genuine long-term affordability; supporters cited the vacant site, transit access, and need for more rental supply.