Public Hearing

Session 1 Tue, May 5, 2026 · 06:15 pm–10:01 pm Watch

• Fast-Tracking Rental Housing and Small Hotels – New Mixed-Use Commercial District (Item 2, carried): Council approved rezoning approximately 2,400 properties currently zoned C-2, C-2B, C-2C, and C-2C1 into a new consolidated C-2A district. The change streamlines approvals for six-storey rental housing and small hotels (up to six storeys, roughly 80–150 rooms) on major commercial streets without requiring site-by-site rezonings. Eight-storey heights are permitted in Tier 3 and 5 transit-oriented areas to comply with provincial legislation, but at the same density as six-storey forms. Existing tenant protection and rental replacement rules continue to apply. Bylaw enactment scheduled for May 19.
• Public hearing speakers on Item 2: A large majority of speakers opposed the proposal, primarily arguing it does not address housing affordability, lacks below-market rental requirements, fast-tracks hotel development at the expense of affordable homes, and reduces public input into neighbourhood change. Supporters argued the change creates gentle density that is already broadly permitted, simplifies redundant rules, and that small hotels can animate commercial streets and address a hotel supply shortage. Staff confirmed that requiring 20% below-market units in six-storey rental buildings is not financially viable at current densities.
• CD-1 Rezoning 888-896 Cambie and 111-191 Smithe (Item 1, carried): A site-specific CD-1 rezoning at the Cambie and Smithe corner was approved. Presentations and public speakers were deferred to the reserve date of Thursday, May 7 at 3 p.m. due to time constraints; only the vote outcome was recorded at this meeting.

Session 2 Thu, May 7, 2026 · 03:00 pm–10:00 pm Watch

No summary for this session yet.