Vancouver accelerating demolitions of lowrise rentals, says former chief planner
The City of Vancouver is moving forward with plans to demolish lowrise rental apartment blocks along the Broadway and Cambie corridors in order to make way for taller towers, according to a former city planner. The goal is to prezone a large number of properties for higher density buildings to attract developers who may be concerned about the current market slowdown.
A public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 16 to discuss the city’s intention to rezone properties in the Broadway and Cambie areas, which would allow builders to skip the process of applying for site-specific zoning changes. This move is part of a broader plan to encourage the construction of more highrises in the area.
Despite claims by city officials that they are focused on protecting tenants and existing rental stock, it appears that the main priority is to make it financially viable for developers to replace older, more affordable rental buildings with highrises. A recent report commissioned by the city outlines the specific requirements for new developments to be profitable, including the demolition of existing structures.
Critics, including urban specialists and former city planners, have raised concerns about the impact of these changes on housing affordability. They argue that the focus should be on preserving existing affordable housing and investing in non-market housing solutions, rather than catering to market interests.
While city officials maintain that their goal is to manage change responsibly and provide pathways for the renewal of existing buildings, critics like Robert Renger believe that the rezoning plans are designed to increase land prices and profits for developers, without necessarily making housing more affordable.
The upcoming public hearing will be a key opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and provide feedback on the city’s plans for the Broadway and Cambie corridors. It remains to be seen how the city will balance the need for development with the goal of preserving affordable housing in Vancouver.
