Broadway Plan Emerging Directions: Kitsilano

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Apartment building in Kitsilano with mural of angel wings

Welcome to the Kitsilano section of the Emerging Directions Virtual Open House

This section introduces land use policy and place-specific considerations for Kitsilano.

To learn about the Kitsilano Emerging Directions highlights, visit the Kitsilano StoryMap.

View the detailed Kitsilano Emerging Directions content in PDF format.

Review the Kitsilano Neighbourhood Profile.

Complete the survey to provide your feedback.

Apartment building in Kitsilano with mural of angel wings

Welcome to the Kitsilano section of the Emerging Directions Virtual Open House

This section introduces land use policy and place-specific considerations for Kitsilano.

To learn about the Kitsilano Emerging Directions highlights, visit the Kitsilano StoryMap.

View the detailed Kitsilano Emerging Directions content in PDF format.

Review the Kitsilano Neighbourhood Profile.

Complete the survey to provide your feedback.

Do you have a question about the emerging directions for Kitsilano?

The Broadway Plan team is happy to answer any questions you may have about the emerging directions for Kitsilano. Please send us a question and we'll get back to you within two business days.

Note: If you have a question about the Broadway Subway, please contact the Province of British Columbia's project team which is responsible for the station design and construction. If you would like more information about the Broadway Subway Project visit broadwaysubway.ca or email broadwaysubway@gov.bc.ca 

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    What is the plan for the area west of Vine to Alma? There will be high density housing on both sides. How long before you develop that area into high density housing as well?

    Nikki asked over 2 years ago

    Hello Nikki,

    The study area boundaries for this phase go from 1st to 16th and Vine to Clark. So at this time, the  area between Vine and Alma is outside the scope of our current workplan. However, it is something that may be investigated in a future planning study.

    Andrew

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    I was appalled at the chainsaw massacre of mature trees on both sides of Broadway for blocks approaching the site of the Arbutus Station. It feels like a hot wasteland where there was once welcoming shade trees. What is the plan to replace the trees?

    Sus asked almost 3 years ago

    Hello Sus,

    As you probably know, the Province is leading the design and construction of the Broadway Subway. I would encourage you to contact the Broadway Subway Project Office with your question. Their contact can be found here: https://www.broadwaysubway.ca/ 


    Best,

    Andrew

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    Will Vancouver city and building codes be imposed on the Senakw project?

    Philip asked about 3 years ago

    Hello Philip,

    Thank you for the question. City of Vancouver policies and By-laws, including the Vancouver Building Bylaw do not apply to the Senakw development. 

    Thank you,

    Andrew

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    What protections do you have for current low-rise affordable rentals on Broadway?

    HeatherB asked about 3 years ago

    Hello Heather, 

    The main tool currently in use to protect against the loss of existing rental housing in Broadway is the Rental Housing Stock Official Development Plan (ODP). The ODP overs about 79% of existing purpose-built rental housing in the area and requires that redevelopment projects with three or more dwelling units replace every demolished rental unit. 

    You can read the full ODP here: https://bylaws.vancouver.ca/odp/odp-rental-housing-stock.pdf

    This council report also provides some more detail on the ODP effectiveness and it’s place within the City’s broader approach to prioritizing rental housing: https://council.vancouver.ca/20180515/documents/p6.pdf

    Best regards,

    The Broadway Planning Team

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    Hello....I am an owner of a property in Kitsilano. I understand the direction the current council is headed with regards to provide rentals in our area to increase housing. There are at this time, many sights in Kitsilano advertising for rentals, therefore, suites are not able to be occupied. Why then is the City of Vancouver planning to build more rental building properties when there are so many units that are unoccupied? I do not see the owners of these buildings reducing their rents to attract tenants. Many of the rental buildings are run down, not well maintained and rarely Updated. This is unfortunate but not a positive contribution to Kitsilano. Where is the City going to get the funding for these rental buildings? Do other cities across Canada provide inner city housing to residents ? What is the model Vancouver is basing its planning on?

    Kerry Schreiner asked about 3 years ago

    Hello Kerry, 

    The Broadway Plan will be a 30 year area plan so it is important that we consider community needs both today and into the future. You are right that there have been significant rental market impacts this past year as a result of the global pandemic which has forced many renters to make hard decisions about whether to stay in their units or move back home etc. This has also impacted landlords, e.g. international students may have gone home therefore it is likely harder to rent a suite along the UBC travel route. However looking forward to a post-pandemic city we anticipate that rental demand will remain and we want to provide opportunities to meet that need into the future through the Broadway Plan.

    Regarding upgrades for existing aging buildings, through the plan we are proposing to provide opportunities for additional height/density to enable buildings that are not well maintained to redevelop while being able to provide a certain level of affordability in the new building. We are also partnering with the Province and Landlord BC on a pilot program to fund energy retrofits in existing older rental buildings without displacing tenants.

    I’m not sure what your definition of “inner city housing” is however, in general cities across Canada provide opportunities for non-market housing in partnership with senior levels of government and the non-profit sector. If you’re interested in reading more about other cities’ affordable housing strategies here a few resources: 


    Best regards,

    The Broadway Planning Team

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    I’d like to know if there’s a bike route planned southbound on alder at 15th or around that area. Because as of now there’s not much in that direction for bikes. west of Heather/laurel or east of cypress. I understand it’s tricky real estate up there and not grid-like roads. But heading south in between oak and granville past w15th on a bike is currently a no-go. thanks, Trevor

    Tre asked about 3 years ago

    Hi Trevor, 

    Thank you for the great question. You’re absolutely right that there is a cycling connection gap south of 15th Ave in the Alder area, and we are exploring ways to address that gap. As you had mentioned, the land use and road network in the Shaughnessy area make it challenging to provide a good cycling connection. Currently we don’t have a potential route identified yet; however, we will consider this connection as we refine the Broadway plan.

    Best regards,

    The Broadway Planning Team

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    Alma and Birch has 20 per cent of floor space set aside for “low to moderate” income tenants, the other 80 per cent will be affordable to only the top 20 per cent of city income earners. Will the buildings on Broadway be the same? This is not helpful to the workers of the city. Why not zone for coop the whole way as Patrick Condon suggests? Where are local workers and their families supposed to live?

    HeatherB asked about 3 years ago

    Hello HealtherB,

    You raise a number of good points. At a high level, the Broadway Plan's Housing Emerging Directions aim to prioritize protection of existing rental housing, enable existing renters to remain in their neighbourhoods, and create opportunities for new affordable homes. We heard during our engagement that increasing non-profit and affordable housing supply is important. The emerging directions policy introduce the idea of providing new social, supportive, co-op and below market rental housing. Work force housing supporting people who work in the local economy is something we're looking to support as well. To learn more please click here and view the Emerging Directions boards page 54-58  More details on this will be fleshed out as the Broadway Plan workplan progresses in Phase 3.

    Best,

    Andrew

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    What will the height restrictions on buildings be?

    HeatherB asked about 3 years ago

    Hello HeatherB,

    Thanks for the question. We're currently at the 2D stage of the Plan where we're engaging on the neighbourhood growth and change. The more 3D elements such as heights, densities, and forms will be engaged on in Phase 3 in June/July 2021. We should have more specifics on heights at that point.

    Best,

    Andrew

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    How will this plan ensure that wealthy landowners and homeowners aren't disproportionately represented? A lot of the opposition I'm finding is from folks who are happily house and benefit from the restriction of new rental buildings. Additionally, Kits is home to a lot of buildings over 6 storeys tall. How can we make sure that we include a range of building sizes, not just homes that millionaires can afford to buy?

    Brandon asked about 3 years ago

    Hello Brandon,

    Great question. We're using a mixed methods approach and doing specific engagement with groups who are underrepresented. We know that renters are one of these groups. Its for this reason we're creating a dedicated space for renters to provide their feedback. Below are dates for the "Renter Roundtables".

    You can register to participate in the following neighbourhood roundtables:

    Mount Pleasant – March 23, 6:00-7:30PM – Register here for the event

    Fairview – March 24, 6:00-7:30PM – Register here for the event

    Kitsilano – March 25, 6:00-7:30PM - Register here for the event


    Andrew

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    Why is Broadway from McDonald to Blenheim not designated as “a Village”

    daviddclarke asked about 3 years ago

    Hello David,

    The purpose of the Broadway Plan is to think about how the neighbourhoods immediately around the future Broadway Subway will grow, change and take advantage of the rapid transit infrastructure over the next thirty years. The boundaries of the Broadway Plan align specifically with the future subway route. I would agree with you that Blenheim to MacDonald are important areas however they don't quite align with the subway extension and therefore out of scope (for the time being).

    Best,

    Andrew

Page last updated: 13 May 2021, 09:44 AM