'1 step forward, 3 steps back: Vancouver city council to vote on 'pace-of-change' policy
Vancouver council will soon vote on a policy that could slow development in the Broadway Plan, one of the most significant long-term projects underway in the city.
Councillors have started debating a “pace-of-change” policy designed to prevent people from being displaced at some of the city's oldest and most affordable apartments, a move that could stifle development.
“Yes, this does put a little bit of pressure on developers who are interested in knocking down older, purpose-built apartment buildings to redevelop them,” said Coun. Pete Fry. “We are talking about 2,000 renter households potentially impacted per year if there’s no pace of change.”
The policy options include an annual limit on the number of projects that would impact existing rental housing, with some exemptions. Housing advocate Jean Swanson said she’d prefer the slowest development option.
“I think the first option of five buildings a year is good,” Swanson said.
The other options are 10 or 15 projects per year in the existing apartment areas.
Once hopeful about the 30-year Broadway Plan, Raman Bayanzadeh. a commercial realtor with Royal LePage Commercial, said the pace-of-change policy is short-sighted, adding that he thinks it could push developers to other municipalities.
“It’s one step forward, three steps back,” he said. “Limiting development projects, limiting the number of applications going through, increasing costs and challenges for developers … they will look at other options.”
Council will vote on the policy on March 29, when it could decide to forego the policy altogether.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.