What we heard in Phase 1 of public engagement

Through April to May 2026, we asked the community to share their thoughts on potential changes to the Higher Buildings Policy. Phase 1 of engagement had four primary objectives: introduce the existing policy and build awareness of the process; explore values and preferences when it comes to the skyline; begin to gauge general willingness to consider additional height; and understand the priorities, trade-offs, and considerations that should guide a made-for-Vancouver approach to tall buildings.

The first phase of engagement involved various activities, including a series of pop-up events, an exhibit at the Vancouver Lookout, the launch of an international ideas competition, stakeholder meetings, and an online survey. There were more than 7,800 total engagement contact points, and these Phase 1 results will inform draft policy options that will be brought to the public for Phase 2 engagement in early 2027.

Read the Higher Buildings Policy Review Phase 1 engagement summary report.

Summary of key findings from engagement:

• At a high-level, public opinion in Vancouver was largely split on the idea of adding additional height in our downtown, with more support for additional height from those who participated in-person as opposed to those who responded online.
• For those supportive of height, many were willing to consider substantial departures from our current limits and provided thoughts on where the tallest buildings should be located and the criteria that should guide those decisions.
• Participants expressed a strong appreciation for Vancouver’s visual connection to the mountains, water, and natural landscape, and consistently identified these views as central to the city’s identity.
• Support for additional height was often contingent on protecting views to the mountains and natural character, providing needed housing, contributing significant public benefits, ensuring enhanced architectural design quality, and addressing any environmental or safety considerations.

Thank you to everybody who provided their time and input during our first round of engagement!