Council approves rezoning application for Skeena Terrace, paving the way for nearly 2,000 new affordable homes

March 13 2024 -

Vancouver City Council has given the green light to the rezoning application for Skeena Terrace, marking a significant milestone in addressing the pressing need for affordable housing in our community. This approval sets the stage for the development of close to 2,000 affordable homes, a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable city.

Guided by the Policy Statement adopted by Council in July 2022, the rezoning application follows a set of principles, objectives, and policies aimed at promoting housing affordability, fostering tenant-first engagement, optimizing land use, enhancing public benefits, improving transportation and mobility infrastructure, and prioritizing sustainability.

"This approval marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to address the affordable housing crisis and create inclusive communities," stated Mayor Ken Sim. "The redevelopment of Skeena Terrace represents a collaborative approach to providing safe, affordable, and sustainable housing options while enhancing the overall quality of life for residents."

The redevelopment of Skeena Terrace will serve a wide range of needs, offering social housing options tailored to various household types, ages, mobility requirements, and income levels. Approximately 66 per cent of the proposed homes will be available at or below the BC Housing-Housing Income Limits, ensuring that they remain accessible to those in need by limiting rental costs to no more than 30 per cent of gross household income.

"This is a great move by the City of Vancouver to green light these 2,000 new affordable homes for people of varying incomes, so they have a safe place to live in the community they love," stated Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. "If we see this type of partnership from municipalities across the province it will lead to an increase in housing stock so British Columbians can find the housing they need."

In addition to expanding the stock of affordable family-oriented housing in the Hastings-Sunrise area, this redevelopment will also introduce new community-serving spaces, including a 74-space childcare facility. As well, the project integrates walking, rolling, and cycling connections into the neighborhood, fostering a vibrant and sustainable community that is both accessible and livable.

Background

Skeena Terrace is located on the unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. It is 10.8-acres in size, located in the Hastings Sunrise neighbourhood and is bound by East Fifth Avenue (North), Lougheed Highway (South), Cassiar Street (West), and Skeena Street (East).

The buildings and infrastructure at Skeena Terrace are aging and need extensive and ongoing repairs. This approval provides an opportunity to replace and expand social housing, while adding community serving amenities to the site.

BC Housing has clear commitments to support tenants throughout the redevelopment process, including offering all existing tenants first right of refusal to a new affordable home at Skeena Terrace.

BC Housing has committed to achieving a redevelopment that will minimize the displacement of existing tenants, through a phasing strategy with sequencing of building redevelopment.

Learn more at https://www.shapeyourcity.ca/2108-and-2408-cassiar-st and https://letstalkhousingbc.ca/vancouver-skeena-terrace External website, opens in new tab