1683-1691 E Pender St and 485 Commercial Dr rezoning application

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Revised application (March 27, 2026)

The City of Vancouver has received a revised rezoning application for 1683-1691 E Pender St and 485 Commercial Dr. The proposal is to allow for the development of two buildings and includes:

  • A 22-storey residential rental building with a height of 71.1 m (233 ft.) and 236 secured market rental units;
  • A six-storey mixed-use building with a height of 21.3 m (70 ft.) with 40 social housing units and a Social Service Centre; and
  • A total floor space ratio (FSR) of 7.75.

Key Changes include:

  • Increasing separation between the two buildings to improve liveability;
  • Reducing the density from 7.9 FSR to 7.75 FSR;
  • Three less market rental units and one less social housing unit;
  • Tower floorplate of the market tower reduced from 7,750 sq. ft. to 7,567 sq. ft.; and
  • Changes to amenity areas.

This application is being considered under the Grandview-Woodland Community Plan and requests additional height and density in excess of the existing plan.

Application drawings and statistics are posted as-submitted to the City. Following staff review, the final project statistics are documented within the referral report.

Original application (August 25, 2025)

The City of Vancouver has received an application to rezone the subject site from MC-1 (Industrial) District to CD-1 (Comprehensive Development) District. The proposal is to allow for the development of two buildings and includes:

  • A 22-storey residential rental building with a height of 71.1 m (233 ft.) and 239 secured market rental units;
  • A six-storey mixed-use building with a height of 21.3 m (70 ft.) with 41 social housing units and a Social Service Centre; and
  • A total floor space ratio (FSR) of 7.9.

This application is being considered under the Grandview-Woodland Community Plan and requests additional height and density in excess of the existing plan.

Application drawings and statistics are posted as-submitted to the City. Following staff review, the final project statistics are documented within the referral report.

Revised application (March 27, 2026)

The City of Vancouver has received a revised rezoning application for 1683-1691 E Pender St and 485 Commercial Dr. The proposal is to allow for the development of two buildings and includes:

  • A 22-storey residential rental building with a height of 71.1 m (233 ft.) and 236 secured market rental units;
  • A six-storey mixed-use building with a height of 21.3 m (70 ft.) with 40 social housing units and a Social Service Centre; and
  • A total floor space ratio (FSR) of 7.75.

Key Changes include:

  • Increasing separation between the two buildings to improve liveability;
  • Reducing the density from 7.9 FSR to 7.75 FSR;
  • Three less market rental units and one less social housing unit;
  • Tower floorplate of the market tower reduced from 7,750 sq. ft. to 7,567 sq. ft.; and
  • Changes to amenity areas.

This application is being considered under the Grandview-Woodland Community Plan and requests additional height and density in excess of the existing plan.

Application drawings and statistics are posted as-submitted to the City. Following staff review, the final project statistics are documented within the referral report.

Original application (August 25, 2025)

The City of Vancouver has received an application to rezone the subject site from MC-1 (Industrial) District to CD-1 (Comprehensive Development) District. The proposal is to allow for the development of two buildings and includes:

  • A 22-storey residential rental building with a height of 71.1 m (233 ft.) and 239 secured market rental units;
  • A six-storey mixed-use building with a height of 21.3 m (70 ft.) with 41 social housing units and a Social Service Centre; and
  • A total floor space ratio (FSR) of 7.9.

This application is being considered under the Grandview-Woodland Community Plan and requests additional height and density in excess of the existing plan.

Application drawings and statistics are posted as-submitted to the City. Following staff review, the final project statistics are documented within the referral report.

​The Q&A period has concluded. Thank you for participating.

The opportunity to ask questions through the Q&A is available from November 5 to November 18, 2025. 

We post all questions as-is and aim to respond within two business days. Some questions may require coordination with internal departments and additional time may be needed to post a response.

Please note that the comment form will remain open after the Q&A period. The Rezoning Planner can also be contacted directly for any further feedback or questions.

  • Share Can you please confirm other developments that have been approved and have not begun that are within 10 blocks of this site and report the addresses and expected population being added to the area? My estimates are there are 13 sites that may contribute more than 5000 people to such a small community creating immense strain on the culture, safety, services, and livability of our community. on Facebook Share Can you please confirm other developments that have been approved and have not begun that are within 10 blocks of this site and report the addresses and expected population being added to the area? My estimates are there are 13 sites that may contribute more than 5000 people to such a small community creating immense strain on the culture, safety, services, and livability of our community. on Twitter Share Can you please confirm other developments that have been approved and have not begun that are within 10 blocks of this site and report the addresses and expected population being added to the area? My estimates are there are 13 sites that may contribute more than 5000 people to such a small community creating immense strain on the culture, safety, services, and livability of our community. on Linkedin Email Can you please confirm other developments that have been approved and have not begun that are within 10 blocks of this site and report the addresses and expected population being added to the area? My estimates are there are 13 sites that may contribute more than 5000 people to such a small community creating immense strain on the culture, safety, services, and livability of our community. link

    Can you please confirm other developments that have been approved and have not begun that are within 10 blocks of this site and report the addresses and expected population being added to the area? My estimates are there are 13 sites that may contribute more than 5000 people to such a small community creating immense strain on the culture, safety, services, and livability of our community.

    sandwichmaster asked 5 months ago

    Thanks for your patience as we collected the requested information.

     

    Our analyst pulled the following data:

     

    The table looks at multi-family residential development projects within an 800m buffer of the property in question, and only includes projects that have already been approved but are not yet under construction.

     

    Total Buildings4

    Non-Market Housing

    3

    Rental Housing

    0

    Condo

    1



    Total Units 

    422

    Non-Market /Social Housing units

    257

    Non-Market /Supportive Housing

    29

    Rental Housing

    0

    Condo (Strata)

    136



    Type of Units

    Studio

    130

    1 Bed

    149

    2 Bed

    87

    3 Beds and more

    56

  • Share What is happening to the existing Kettle Society location? Is this a replacement facility or a second facility? Is the developer acquiring the existing site for redevelopment? on Facebook Share What is happening to the existing Kettle Society location? Is this a replacement facility or a second facility? Is the developer acquiring the existing site for redevelopment? on Twitter Share What is happening to the existing Kettle Society location? Is this a replacement facility or a second facility? Is the developer acquiring the existing site for redevelopment? on Linkedin Email What is happening to the existing Kettle Society location? Is this a replacement facility or a second facility? Is the developer acquiring the existing site for redevelopment? link

    What is happening to the existing Kettle Society location? Is this a replacement facility or a second facility? Is the developer acquiring the existing site for redevelopment?

    louise-houston asked 5 months ago

    Thank you for the question.

    The applicant has advised that the subject site will be their new location and the existing location will be sold. They are only planning to have one facility.

  • Share Has the proponent included plans for how the building's space & water will be heated? ie, will it be all-electric, or will there be a gas line going in? on Facebook Share Has the proponent included plans for how the building's space & water will be heated? ie, will it be all-electric, or will there be a gas line going in? on Twitter Share Has the proponent included plans for how the building's space & water will be heated? ie, will it be all-electric, or will there be a gas line going in? on Linkedin Email Has the proponent included plans for how the building's space & water will be heated? ie, will it be all-electric, or will there be a gas line going in? link

    Has the proponent included plans for how the building's space & water will be heated? ie, will it be all-electric, or will there be a gas line going in?

    Arno asked 5 months ago

    Thank you for your question.

    The applicant has advised that they do not have this information at this stage of the approvals process. Should the rezoning be approved, they have advised that they will be deciding at the development permit stage.

  • Share How can the city reconcile, from its own plan, a 22 story tower, and their plan for The Drive. From p33 of the plan: “The Drive” The plan recognizes the energy, the identity and “the vibe” that is “The Drive”. It ensures that this unique character will remain vital into the future. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Retain the existing mixed-use zoning (4 storeys or less) throughout the core blocks of Commercial Drive. Maintain the pattern of smaller, individual retail frontages to help keep The Drive eclectic and active. Outside of core and only on larger sites at the East 1st Avenue node, allow buildings up to 6 storeys to provide new housing. Create a more “complete street” along Commercial Drive to better serve all modes of transportation. Renewal and expansion of key social and community facilities – including the Kettle Friendship Centre and Britannia Community Centre. on Facebook Share How can the city reconcile, from its own plan, a 22 story tower, and their plan for The Drive. From p33 of the plan: “The Drive” The plan recognizes the energy, the identity and “the vibe” that is “The Drive”. It ensures that this unique character will remain vital into the future. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Retain the existing mixed-use zoning (4 storeys or less) throughout the core blocks of Commercial Drive. Maintain the pattern of smaller, individual retail frontages to help keep The Drive eclectic and active. Outside of core and only on larger sites at the East 1st Avenue node, allow buildings up to 6 storeys to provide new housing. Create a more “complete street” along Commercial Drive to better serve all modes of transportation. Renewal and expansion of key social and community facilities – including the Kettle Friendship Centre and Britannia Community Centre. on Twitter Share How can the city reconcile, from its own plan, a 22 story tower, and their plan for The Drive. From p33 of the plan: “The Drive” The plan recognizes the energy, the identity and “the vibe” that is “The Drive”. It ensures that this unique character will remain vital into the future. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Retain the existing mixed-use zoning (4 storeys or less) throughout the core blocks of Commercial Drive. Maintain the pattern of smaller, individual retail frontages to help keep The Drive eclectic and active. Outside of core and only on larger sites at the East 1st Avenue node, allow buildings up to 6 storeys to provide new housing. Create a more “complete street” along Commercial Drive to better serve all modes of transportation. Renewal and expansion of key social and community facilities – including the Kettle Friendship Centre and Britannia Community Centre. on Linkedin Email How can the city reconcile, from its own plan, a 22 story tower, and their plan for The Drive. From p33 of the plan: “The Drive” The plan recognizes the energy, the identity and “the vibe” that is “The Drive”. It ensures that this unique character will remain vital into the future. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Retain the existing mixed-use zoning (4 storeys or less) throughout the core blocks of Commercial Drive. Maintain the pattern of smaller, individual retail frontages to help keep The Drive eclectic and active. Outside of core and only on larger sites at the East 1st Avenue node, allow buildings up to 6 storeys to provide new housing. Create a more “complete street” along Commercial Drive to better serve all modes of transportation. Renewal and expansion of key social and community facilities – including the Kettle Friendship Centre and Britannia Community Centre. link

    How can the city reconcile, from its own plan, a 22 story tower, and their plan for The Drive. From p33 of the plan: “The Drive” The plan recognizes the energy, the identity and “the vibe” that is “The Drive”. It ensures that this unique character will remain vital into the future. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Retain the existing mixed-use zoning (4 storeys or less) throughout the core blocks of Commercial Drive. Maintain the pattern of smaller, individual retail frontages to help keep The Drive eclectic and active. Outside of core and only on larger sites at the East 1st Avenue node, allow buildings up to 6 storeys to provide new housing. Create a more “complete street” along Commercial Drive to better serve all modes of transportation. Renewal and expansion of key social and community facilities – including the Kettle Friendship Centre and Britannia Community Centre.

    KrisH asked 5 months ago

    This rezoning application is proposing height and density in excess of what is specifically contemplated for the site in the Plan. The Grandview Woodland Community Plan has additional policies to increase affordable housing across the Plan area. Policies in Section 7.1 of the Plan (p.30) speak to increasing housing options for vulnerable community residents, as well as maintaining and increasing non-market housing (social and co-op housing). These policies speak to the consideration of additional density subject to neighbourhood fit in order to support non-market housing projects. Specifically, policy 7.1.3 encourages the development of new non-market rental housing in this area (requiring 20% non-market floor area).

     As it relates to the Kettle Friendship Centre Society, the Plan does speak to a new Friendship Centre building with increased access to low-barrier services, with non-market housing as well. The redevelopment of the Kettle site was anticipated in the Plan at the Commercial Diversion, however Kettle is now proposing their new operations to be located at the subject site of this rezoning application. 

     This is a new rezoning application and staff are currently reviewing the proposal, as well as receiving public comment. Once a staff recommendation is finalized, it will be summarized in a report to City Council. A decision on the project will be made by City Council at a Public Hearing, where members of the public are welcome to share their concerns/comments/support.

  • Share I live nearby and have some questions about this development. What is the nature of the social services centre? Is there any ground floor commercial space? on Facebook Share I live nearby and have some questions about this development. What is the nature of the social services centre? Is there any ground floor commercial space? on Twitter Share I live nearby and have some questions about this development. What is the nature of the social services centre? Is there any ground floor commercial space? on Linkedin Email I live nearby and have some questions about this development. What is the nature of the social services centre? Is there any ground floor commercial space? link

    I live nearby and have some questions about this development. What is the nature of the social services centre? Is there any ground floor commercial space?

    CONORCORBETT asked 5 months ago

    No commercial space is proposed. The rezoning booklet summarizes the drop-in centre (social service centre) as follows: The Kettle’s purpose-built facility will replace the Society’s aging Venables Street location and will house a range of vital services, including a nurse, ID bank, advocacy department, supported employment programs, and homeless outreach services. You can find more information on the Kettle Society on page 9 of the rezoning booklet: https://rezoning.vancouver.ca/applications/1683-1691-e-pender-st-and-485-commercial-dr/application-booklet.pdf

Page last updated: 17 Apr 2026, 12:59 PM