848 Seymour St rezoning application

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We would like your feedback on a rezoning application at 848 Seymour St. The proposal is to allow for the development of a 30-storey hotel building over four levels of underground parking. The zoning would change from DD (Downtown) District to CD-1 (Comprehensive Development) District. This proposal includes:

  • A floor space ratio (FSR) of 17.7;
  • A floor area of 22,146 sq. m (238,381 sq. ft.);
  • A building height of 96.6 m (317 ft.); and
  • 59 vehicle parking spaces and 33 bicycle parking spaces.

The application is being considered under the Rezoning Policy for the Central Business District (CBD) and CBD Shoulder and the Metro Core Jobs and Economy Land Use Plan.

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


We would like your feedback on a rezoning application at 848 Seymour St. The proposal is to allow for the development of a 30-storey hotel building over four levels of underground parking. The zoning would change from DD (Downtown) District to CD-1 (Comprehensive Development) District. This proposal includes:

  • A floor space ratio (FSR) of 17.7;
  • A floor area of 22,146 sq. m (238,381 sq. ft.);
  • A building height of 96.6 m (317 ft.); and
  • 59 vehicle parking spaces and 33 bicycle parking spaces.

The application is being considered under the Rezoning Policy for the Central Business District (CBD) and CBD Shoulder and the Metro Core Jobs and Economy Land Use Plan.

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

​The virtual open house and Q&A has concluded. Thank you for participating.

The opportunity to ask questions through the Q&A is available from November 14 to December 4, 2022.

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 virtual open house time period. The Rezoning Planner can also be contacted directly for any further feedback or questions.

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    Why use the laneway for vehicular access when we already have metered parking on Seymour that can be converted to space for the hotel? Their plan to "activate" the laneway will cause more frequent conflicts involving drivers who are attempting to cross the bike lane on Smithe. And I am very concerned about noise and exhaust. Near this site, the Hilton at 433 Robson Street uses its laneway for vehicular access. Taxis sometimes idle there. I recently counted three vehicles idling in that laneway under signs that said "No Stopping / Fire Lane / Violators will be towed at owner's expense." Unlike the Hilton, 848 Seymour is adjacent to three residential towers without central air conditioning. We have no assurance that idling outside our open windows will be prohibited, or that such a prohibition would be enforced.

    Chris from downtown asked 6 months ago

    Thank you for the question. The proposal includes vehicular access to an underground parking structure on site from the rear lane. Where a lane is available, the City will seek vehicular access to the site from the lane rather than the street. – Nick

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    Will there be access from both sides of the laneway? What vehicle traffic impact will this bring given the Robson St lane access ie any changes to Robson St parking?

    Bob . asked 7 months ago

    Thank you for the questions. The following responses have been provided by the applicant:

    1. Will there be access from both sides of the laneway? Yes. Vehicular access to the site is planned to occur from both directions on the laneway (i.e., via Robson St to the north and Smite St to the south)
    2. What vehicle traffic impact will this bring given the Robson St lane access ie any changes to Robson St parking?  With regards to the development’s impacts given the Robson Street lane access, no changes to Robson Street parking or the lane access are expected to be required based on the intended vehicle types planned to use the development. - Nick
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    How can a project be fast tracked when zoning rules also need to be changed? I have not seen any traffic impact studies being done. Will this occur before rezoning and approval is considered? With the bike lane and right turn lane on Smithe, this will impact traffic. Also, why is this being done so quickly and quietly? Most people in the neighborhood are completely unaware. Also, will a hotel be successful with the booming noise until 6am from entertainment district? Why isn’t this being left for more office space that we need downtown for future tech growth?

    11fitz11 asked 7 months ago

    Thank you for your questions. The application to rezone 848 Seymour Street for a hotel use has been received and is currently being reviewed by staff, including traffic studies. The proposed use is permitted in this area of the Central Business District. The application is subject to the City’s standard rezoning review process. The advancement of the project is subject to Council approval following staff review. - Nick

Page last updated: 22 Feb 2023, 04:12 PM