215 W 1st Ave text amendment

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The City of Vancouver has received a rezoning application to­­ amend CD-1 (454) for an increase in height from 13.5 m (44 ft.) to 18.8 m (62 ft.). The existing zoning allows for Institutional uses which includes School – Elementary or Secondary. The proposal is for the development of a four-storey elementary school building, which­ includes:

  • 6,000 sq. m (64,583 sq. ft.) for instructional areas including classrooms, gymnasium, and community facilities to accommodate 630 students;
  • An activated rooftop space;
  • A floor space ratio (FSR) of 3.0; and
  • A building height of 18.8 m (62 ft.).

This application is being considered under the Southeast False Creek Official Development 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 City of Vancouver has received a rezoning application to­­ amend CD-1 (454) for an increase in height from 13.5 m (44 ft.) to 18.8 m (62 ft.). The existing zoning allows for Institutional uses which includes School – Elementary or Secondary. The proposal is for the development of a four-storey elementary school building, which­ includes:

  • 6,000 sq. m (64,583 sq. ft.) for instructional areas including classrooms, gymnasium, and community facilities to accommodate 630 students;
  • An activated rooftop space;
  • A floor space ratio (FSR) of 3.0; and
  • A building height of 18.8 m (62 ft.).

This application is being considered under the Southeast False Creek Official Development 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 July 16 to July 29, 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 I am curious why any new building would not have underground parking.Is it because the cost to remediate the land from the toxic waste of the old industrial park is too high? on Facebook Share I am curious why any new building would not have underground parking.Is it because the cost to remediate the land from the toxic waste of the old industrial park is too high? on Twitter Share I am curious why any new building would not have underground parking.Is it because the cost to remediate the land from the toxic waste of the old industrial park is too high? on Linkedin Email I am curious why any new building would not have underground parking.Is it because the cost to remediate the land from the toxic waste of the old industrial park is too high? link

    I am curious why any new building would not have underground parking.Is it because the cost to remediate the land from the toxic waste of the old industrial park is too high?

    Hatzicguy asked 3 days ago

    Thank you for your question. The site is located within a designated floodplain, which presents significant challenges for the construction and long-term maintenance of underground structures. In many cases, emergency pump systems are required to manage water infiltration, which adds substantial cost and operational complexity. These systems are not only expensive but may still pose risk in the event of heavy rainfall or flooding. You also raised an important point regarding soil remediation. This would be a significant undertaking and represents another major cost consideration for any below-grade construction.

  • Share Has the City considered that the cost of building this school in this location plus creating new green space to the west, as other responses have indicated, is an unnecessary expense compared to building the school to the west and leaving the heavily-used park as-is? Why should taxpayers pay for a new park to the west when we have one already that is much loved? I live nearby and feel this school is an excellent addition to the neighbourhood but in a location that takes away a neighbourhood amenity that is heavily used already. on Facebook Share Has the City considered that the cost of building this school in this location plus creating new green space to the west, as other responses have indicated, is an unnecessary expense compared to building the school to the west and leaving the heavily-used park as-is? Why should taxpayers pay for a new park to the west when we have one already that is much loved? I live nearby and feel this school is an excellent addition to the neighbourhood but in a location that takes away a neighbourhood amenity that is heavily used already. on Twitter Share Has the City considered that the cost of building this school in this location plus creating new green space to the west, as other responses have indicated, is an unnecessary expense compared to building the school to the west and leaving the heavily-used park as-is? Why should taxpayers pay for a new park to the west when we have one already that is much loved? I live nearby and feel this school is an excellent addition to the neighbourhood but in a location that takes away a neighbourhood amenity that is heavily used already. on Linkedin Email Has the City considered that the cost of building this school in this location plus creating new green space to the west, as other responses have indicated, is an unnecessary expense compared to building the school to the west and leaving the heavily-used park as-is? Why should taxpayers pay for a new park to the west when we have one already that is much loved? I live nearby and feel this school is an excellent addition to the neighbourhood but in a location that takes away a neighbourhood amenity that is heavily used already. link

    Has the City considered that the cost of building this school in this location plus creating new green space to the west, as other responses have indicated, is an unnecessary expense compared to building the school to the west and leaving the heavily-used park as-is? Why should taxpayers pay for a new park to the west when we have one already that is much loved? I live nearby and feel this school is an excellent addition to the neighbourhood but in a location that takes away a neighbourhood amenity that is heavily used already.

    VANov asked 3 days ago

    Thank you for your questions. The funding approach for the future park to west has not yet been determined. This is a fair question that could be put forward to Mayor & Council during the Public Hearing process. Planning’s understanding is that securing the funding for the school has been a significant challenge for both the Ministry of Education and the VSB. Reconsidering the site at this stage could jeopardize the current funding agreement and would likely require all parties to re-enter discussions, potentially delaying the delivery of a new school by another several years.

  • Share Can you please clarify the reason for the increased building height from 13.5 metres to 18.8 metres, and why this was not considered in the original rezoning application? What does the additional height actually achieve in terms of program or design (compared to no increase in height? With only one coarse rendering provided, how will the building layout differ between the 13.5-metre and 18.8-metre versions? Lastly, would the rezoning application still proceed successfully without the proposed height increase? Traffic Management and parking is fairly important in this area. Why is the Q and A period ending without results of the Traffic Assessment and Management Study (TAMS)? Will the TAMS be made available to residents for review? on Facebook Share Can you please clarify the reason for the increased building height from 13.5 metres to 18.8 metres, and why this was not considered in the original rezoning application? What does the additional height actually achieve in terms of program or design (compared to no increase in height? With only one coarse rendering provided, how will the building layout differ between the 13.5-metre and 18.8-metre versions? Lastly, would the rezoning application still proceed successfully without the proposed height increase? Traffic Management and parking is fairly important in this area. Why is the Q and A period ending without results of the Traffic Assessment and Management Study (TAMS)? Will the TAMS be made available to residents for review? on Twitter Share Can you please clarify the reason for the increased building height from 13.5 metres to 18.8 metres, and why this was not considered in the original rezoning application? What does the additional height actually achieve in terms of program or design (compared to no increase in height? With only one coarse rendering provided, how will the building layout differ between the 13.5-metre and 18.8-metre versions? Lastly, would the rezoning application still proceed successfully without the proposed height increase? Traffic Management and parking is fairly important in this area. Why is the Q and A period ending without results of the Traffic Assessment and Management Study (TAMS)? Will the TAMS be made available to residents for review? on Linkedin Email Can you please clarify the reason for the increased building height from 13.5 metres to 18.8 metres, and why this was not considered in the original rezoning application? What does the additional height actually achieve in terms of program or design (compared to no increase in height? With only one coarse rendering provided, how will the building layout differ between the 13.5-metre and 18.8-metre versions? Lastly, would the rezoning application still proceed successfully without the proposed height increase? Traffic Management and parking is fairly important in this area. Why is the Q and A period ending without results of the Traffic Assessment and Management Study (TAMS)? Will the TAMS be made available to residents for review? link

    Can you please clarify the reason for the increased building height from 13.5 metres to 18.8 metres, and why this was not considered in the original rezoning application? What does the additional height actually achieve in terms of program or design (compared to no increase in height? With only one coarse rendering provided, how will the building layout differ between the 13.5-metre and 18.8-metre versions? Lastly, would the rezoning application still proceed successfully without the proposed height increase? Traffic Management and parking is fairly important in this area. Why is the Q and A period ending without results of the Traffic Assessment and Management Study (TAMS)? Will the TAMS be made available to residents for review?

    AHCL asked 4 days ago

    As per the applicant’s rezoning booklet; “The text amendment to the existing Olympic Village By-law is sought to increase the height of the proposed new elementary school, so that it can accommodate a school population of 630 students, which is considered necessary to serve this area of the City given current enrolment pressures.  Given the restricted dimensions of the site area set aside for the school, the new school will require four stories resulting in a height…” I’d recommend reaching out to Kent Grier from VSB to further understand the thinking behind the height, programming, rooftop play area and the overall design approach - kgrier@vsb.bc.ca 

     

    I’m unsure if a layout for the 13.5 m height option was drafted. Contacting VSB through Kent Grier may be the better option to address the question regarding the early design concepts. 

     

    The ODP permits a school to be built at this location. If the applicant were to propose a school at the height currently permitted under the ODP, they could have done so through only a Development Permit.

     

    Over the next few weeks, a Traffic Assessment and Management Study (TAMS) will be made available for public review. The TAMS will outline the anticipated impacts and the improvements/suggestions to mitigate those impacts. The timing of the TAMS is not ideal as it’s not available to the public during the Q+A. However, Staff strongly stress that the public can continue to contact Daniel Feeney, Rezoning Planner past the Q+A period with questions and comments.

  • Share Hinge Park is a beloved park enjoyed by many residents of the Olympic Village and the city. Green space is limited and there are no other parks in the Olympic Village. Why hasn't the Mayor & Council directed Staff to consider an alternative site when there is ample industrial, non-park space available nearby? Why do school children require a waterfront location when it comes at the cost of eliminating a park for all to enjoy? on Facebook Share Hinge Park is a beloved park enjoyed by many residents of the Olympic Village and the city. Green space is limited and there are no other parks in the Olympic Village. Why hasn't the Mayor & Council directed Staff to consider an alternative site when there is ample industrial, non-park space available nearby? Why do school children require a waterfront location when it comes at the cost of eliminating a park for all to enjoy? on Twitter Share Hinge Park is a beloved park enjoyed by many residents of the Olympic Village and the city. Green space is limited and there are no other parks in the Olympic Village. Why hasn't the Mayor & Council directed Staff to consider an alternative site when there is ample industrial, non-park space available nearby? Why do school children require a waterfront location when it comes at the cost of eliminating a park for all to enjoy? on Linkedin Email Hinge Park is a beloved park enjoyed by many residents of the Olympic Village and the city. Green space is limited and there are no other parks in the Olympic Village. Why hasn't the Mayor & Council directed Staff to consider an alternative site when there is ample industrial, non-park space available nearby? Why do school children require a waterfront location when it comes at the cost of eliminating a park for all to enjoy? link

    Hinge Park is a beloved park enjoyed by many residents of the Olympic Village and the city. Green space is limited and there are no other parks in the Olympic Village. Why hasn't the Mayor & Council directed Staff to consider an alternative site when there is ample industrial, non-park space available nearby? Why do school children require a waterfront location when it comes at the cost of eliminating a park for all to enjoy?

    Nearby Resident asked 4 days ago

    Unfortunately, staff do not have a detailed update on the redevelopment of the lands to the west. That area is anticipated to include significant park space in the future. For more information, please refer to the Southeast False Creek Official Development Plan (SEFCODP): https://bylaws.vancouver.ca/odp/odp-southeast-false-creek.pdf. With respect to the question of why an alternative site was not considered, that matter would be best addressed by Mayor and Council through the Public Hearing process. At this time, the applicant (Vancouver School Board) has secured provincial funding to construct an elementary school at this location, which is permitted under the SEFCODP. Planning’s understanding is that securing this funding has been a significant challenge for both the Ministry of Education and the VSB. Reconsidering the site at this stage could jeopardize the current funding agreement and would likely require all parties to re-enter discussions, potentially delaying the delivery of a new school by several years.

  • Share Why is the VSB not using the Kingsgate Mall, owned by the VSB as the site for this scool which is accessible to Olympic Village. on Facebook Share Why is the VSB not using the Kingsgate Mall, owned by the VSB as the site for this scool which is accessible to Olympic Village. on Twitter Share Why is the VSB not using the Kingsgate Mall, owned by the VSB as the site for this scool which is accessible to Olympic Village. on Linkedin Email Why is the VSB not using the Kingsgate Mall, owned by the VSB as the site for this scool which is accessible to Olympic Village. link

    Why is the VSB not using the Kingsgate Mall, owned by the VSB as the site for this scool which is accessible to Olympic Village.

    paat asked 5 days ago

    Mayor & Council have not directed Staff to consider an alternative site. At this time, the applicant (VSB) has secured funding from the Province to construct an elementary school at the site which is permitted through the South East False Creek Official Development Plan (SEFCODP). 

  • Share This park, Hinge Park is the Olympic Village’s only green space. Why are CoV and VSB taking away our park when there is unused space to the west, also owned by the CoV on Facebook Share This park, Hinge Park is the Olympic Village’s only green space. Why are CoV and VSB taking away our park when there is unused space to the west, also owned by the CoV on Twitter Share This park, Hinge Park is the Olympic Village’s only green space. Why are CoV and VSB taking away our park when there is unused space to the west, also owned by the CoV on Linkedin Email This park, Hinge Park is the Olympic Village’s only green space. Why are CoV and VSB taking away our park when there is unused space to the west, also owned by the CoV link

    This park, Hinge Park is the Olympic Village’s only green space. Why are CoV and VSB taking away our park when there is unused space to the west, also owned by the CoV

    paat asked 5 days ago

    Mayor & Council have not directed Staff to consider an alternative site. At this time, the applicant (VSB) has secured funding from the Province to construct an elementary school at the site which is permitted through the South East False Creek Official Development Plan (SEFCODP). The lands to the west do envision significant park space for the future. Please review the SEFCODP for further information; https://bylaws.vancouver.ca/odp/odp-southeast-false-creek.pdf 

  • Share 1. Please explain how parking for teachers and school employees will be managed. 2. What drop off and pickup procedures for students will be implemented. 3. Why destroy this highly used park site when the salt storage building and VPD parking is an unused piece of property better suited for a school on Facebook Share 1. Please explain how parking for teachers and school employees will be managed. 2. What drop off and pickup procedures for students will be implemented. 3. Why destroy this highly used park site when the salt storage building and VPD parking is an unused piece of property better suited for a school on Twitter Share 1. Please explain how parking for teachers and school employees will be managed. 2. What drop off and pickup procedures for students will be implemented. 3. Why destroy this highly used park site when the salt storage building and VPD parking is an unused piece of property better suited for a school on Linkedin Email 1. Please explain how parking for teachers and school employees will be managed. 2. What drop off and pickup procedures for students will be implemented. 3. Why destroy this highly used park site when the salt storage building and VPD parking is an unused piece of property better suited for a school link

    1. Please explain how parking for teachers and school employees will be managed. 2. What drop off and pickup procedures for students will be implemented. 3. Why destroy this highly used park site when the salt storage building and VPD parking is an unused piece of property better suited for a school

    paat asked 5 days ago

    Over the next few weeks, a Traffic Assessment and Management Study (TAMS) will be made available for public review. The TAMS will outline the anticipated impacts and the improvements/suggestions to mitigate those impacts. The timing of the TAMS is not ideal as it’s not available to the public during the Q+A. However, I’d like to stress that the public can continue to contact me past the Q+A period with questions and comments. Details relative to the parking/pick-up and drop-off approach will be outlined within the TAMS. In terms of an alternative site, Mayor & Council have not directed Staff to consider an alternative site. At this time, the applicant (VSB) has secured funding from the Province to construct an elementary school at the site which is permitted through the South East False Creek Official Development Plan (SEFCODP).

  • Share How many of the schools' 630 students live outside a walkable area within the school radius (e.g. 3km)? If hundreds of children need to be dropped off and picked up from school on school days, what can be done to keep everyone safe, while also preventing the gridlock that will likely happen in a neighborhood that wasn't intended for this much car traffic? on Facebook Share How many of the schools' 630 students live outside a walkable area within the school radius (e.g. 3km)? If hundreds of children need to be dropped off and picked up from school on school days, what can be done to keep everyone safe, while also preventing the gridlock that will likely happen in a neighborhood that wasn't intended for this much car traffic? on Twitter Share How many of the schools' 630 students live outside a walkable area within the school radius (e.g. 3km)? If hundreds of children need to be dropped off and picked up from school on school days, what can be done to keep everyone safe, while also preventing the gridlock that will likely happen in a neighborhood that wasn't intended for this much car traffic? on Linkedin Email How many of the schools' 630 students live outside a walkable area within the school radius (e.g. 3km)? If hundreds of children need to be dropped off and picked up from school on school days, what can be done to keep everyone safe, while also preventing the gridlock that will likely happen in a neighborhood that wasn't intended for this much car traffic? link

    How many of the schools' 630 students live outside a walkable area within the school radius (e.g. 3km)? If hundreds of children need to be dropped off and picked up from school on school days, what can be done to keep everyone safe, while also preventing the gridlock that will likely happen in a neighborhood that wasn't intended for this much car traffic?

    Interested_in_our_city asked 5 days ago

    Staff recommend reaching out to the applicant (Kent Grier kgrier@vsb.bc.ca) to further understand the catchment area and how it relates to the proposal. Over the next few weeks, a Traffic Assessment and Management Study (TAMS) will be made available for public review. The TAMS will outline the anticipated impacts and the improvements/suggestions to mitigate those impacts. The timing of the TAMS is not ideal as it’s not available to the public during the Q+A. However, Staff stress that the public can continue to contact Daniel Feeney, Rezoning Planner past the Q+A period with questions and comments.

  • Share What measures will be taken to reduce noise around the school, and has the effect on nearby residents' quality of life been factored into the planning? on Facebook Share What measures will be taken to reduce noise around the school, and has the effect on nearby residents' quality of life been factored into the planning? on Twitter Share What measures will be taken to reduce noise around the school, and has the effect on nearby residents' quality of life been factored into the planning? on Linkedin Email What measures will be taken to reduce noise around the school, and has the effect on nearby residents' quality of life been factored into the planning? link

    What measures will be taken to reduce noise around the school, and has the effect on nearby residents' quality of life been factored into the planning?

    BigPanda1 asked 11 days ago

    The proposal will be subject to the Noise By-Law which will regulate noise levels associated with the “school” land use. The screening walls at the rooftop level may be designed in a way to address sound attenuation. Planning and public engagement around the school site was carried out during the development of the South East False Creek Official Development Plan (SEFCODP). 

  • Share I live across from the school and have several questions related to traffic flow, parking, noise level and safety. The rendering depicts Columbia Street as pedestrian only. Is this the plan? If so, where will kids be dropped off and picked up? (The plan says TBD.) How many of the 630 kids are expected to walk, bike or take transit and how many to be dropped off by car? Since there is limited public parking in the area and no parking will be made available for teachers and staff, is it assumed all 82 will be able to walk, bike or take transit to work? How feasible is this based on data from other schools? Will lack of parking hinder recruitment of staff? There is very limited play area for a school this size. How will recesses be handled? Will they be staggered so that all kids can use the rooftop play area and get some exercise? How many children are expected to be on the roof at one time? Will the little triangular park in front of the entrance to the school be fenced in to protect the kids from wandering into the cycle path of the adjacent seawall? on Facebook Share I live across from the school and have several questions related to traffic flow, parking, noise level and safety. The rendering depicts Columbia Street as pedestrian only. Is this the plan? If so, where will kids be dropped off and picked up? (The plan says TBD.) How many of the 630 kids are expected to walk, bike or take transit and how many to be dropped off by car? Since there is limited public parking in the area and no parking will be made available for teachers and staff, is it assumed all 82 will be able to walk, bike or take transit to work? How feasible is this based on data from other schools? Will lack of parking hinder recruitment of staff? There is very limited play area for a school this size. How will recesses be handled? Will they be staggered so that all kids can use the rooftop play area and get some exercise? How many children are expected to be on the roof at one time? Will the little triangular park in front of the entrance to the school be fenced in to protect the kids from wandering into the cycle path of the adjacent seawall? on Twitter Share I live across from the school and have several questions related to traffic flow, parking, noise level and safety. The rendering depicts Columbia Street as pedestrian only. Is this the plan? If so, where will kids be dropped off and picked up? (The plan says TBD.) How many of the 630 kids are expected to walk, bike or take transit and how many to be dropped off by car? Since there is limited public parking in the area and no parking will be made available for teachers and staff, is it assumed all 82 will be able to walk, bike or take transit to work? How feasible is this based on data from other schools? Will lack of parking hinder recruitment of staff? There is very limited play area for a school this size. How will recesses be handled? Will they be staggered so that all kids can use the rooftop play area and get some exercise? How many children are expected to be on the roof at one time? Will the little triangular park in front of the entrance to the school be fenced in to protect the kids from wandering into the cycle path of the adjacent seawall? on Linkedin Email I live across from the school and have several questions related to traffic flow, parking, noise level and safety. The rendering depicts Columbia Street as pedestrian only. Is this the plan? If so, where will kids be dropped off and picked up? (The plan says TBD.) How many of the 630 kids are expected to walk, bike or take transit and how many to be dropped off by car? Since there is limited public parking in the area and no parking will be made available for teachers and staff, is it assumed all 82 will be able to walk, bike or take transit to work? How feasible is this based on data from other schools? Will lack of parking hinder recruitment of staff? There is very limited play area for a school this size. How will recesses be handled? Will they be staggered so that all kids can use the rooftop play area and get some exercise? How many children are expected to be on the roof at one time? Will the little triangular park in front of the entrance to the school be fenced in to protect the kids from wandering into the cycle path of the adjacent seawall? link

    I live across from the school and have several questions related to traffic flow, parking, noise level and safety. The rendering depicts Columbia Street as pedestrian only. Is this the plan? If so, where will kids be dropped off and picked up? (The plan says TBD.) How many of the 630 kids are expected to walk, bike or take transit and how many to be dropped off by car? Since there is limited public parking in the area and no parking will be made available for teachers and staff, is it assumed all 82 will be able to walk, bike or take transit to work? How feasible is this based on data from other schools? Will lack of parking hinder recruitment of staff? There is very limited play area for a school this size. How will recesses be handled? Will they be staggered so that all kids can use the rooftop play area and get some exercise? How many children are expected to be on the roof at one time? Will the little triangular park in front of the entrance to the school be fenced in to protect the kids from wandering into the cycle path of the adjacent seawall?

    Olympic Village Resident asked 11 days ago

    Thank you for your questions. Direction on the future design of Columbia Street has not yet been confirmed by Engineering. As noted within previous Q+As, a Traffic Assessment and Management Study (TAMS) will be made available for public review. The TAMS will outline the anticipated impacts and the improvements/suggestions to mitigate those impacts. The timing of the TAMS is not ideal as it’s not available to the public during the Q+A. However,  the public can continue to contact Staff past the Q+A period with questions and comments. In terms of the school programming and student safety, I’d recommend reaching out to Kent Grier from VSB for further detail; kgrier@vsb.bc.ca 

Page last updated: 30 Jul 2025, 09:43 AM