CD-1 Rezoning 1438-1444 Alberni Street

Motion 49 · Council Meeting, July 29, 2026

On Consent Location 1438-1444 Alberni Street; 711 Broughton Street; 740 Nicola Street

Summary

The proposal is to rezone three parcels near Alberni, Broughton, and Nicola Streets in the West End from DD to CD-1, permitting two residential towers of 43 and 48 storeys with a shared six-storey podium.
The development would provide 314 strata units, 69 rental units (10% at below-market rents), 75 social housing units, a 56-space public childcare facility, ground-floor retail, and a new dedicated public park parcel.
This application revises a 2018 approval-in-principle for the same site: the key change replaces a $67.98 million cash CAC with approximately 75 units of in-kind social housing and funding to cover escalated childcare costs; overall height, density, and building form remain unchanged.
The existing 19-storey, 129-unit market rental building on the site would be demolished; the new building exceeds the height and density envisioned under the West End Community Plan, though it is consistent with the Vancouver Official Development Plan.
A Housing Agreement By-law will be required prior to enactment to secure the rental and social housing commitments, and the new park parcel is to be designated as a Permanent Public Park upon transfer to the City.
Staff recommend approval in principle, citing ODP consistency and the significant increase in social housing delivery as justification for exceeding the community plan's height and density guidelines.