City of Vancouver Cancels Kitsilano Social Housing Project
The City of Vancouver has officially abandoned plans for a 13-storey social housing development in Kitsilano after years of heated debate and a lengthy court battle. The project, originally intended to provide 129 affordable homes with on-site supports for those at risk of homelessness, faced strong opposition from neighborhood groups and was ultimately quashed by a court order.
Legal and Community Pushback Ends Development
Approved in 2022, the project quickly became a flashpoint in the community due to its proximity to an elementary school, playground, and women’s recovery house. Residents, organized as the Kitsilano Coalition for Children and Family Safety, challenged the rezoning process and took the city to court. In December 2024, the B.C. Court of Appeal ruled the provincial legislation used to fast-track the project was unconstitutional, leading the city to consent to a judicial review and rescind the rezoning and development permits.
City and Province Respond to Project’s Demise
Mayor Ken Sim acknowledged the location was not suitable for the scale and type of housing proposed, citing concerns about concentrating individuals with complex needs near sensitive community spaces. The city has reached out to the province to explore options for smaller, better-resourced supportive housing projects as alternatives, but no response has been received yet.
Mixed Reactions from Community and Officials
While housing advocates and provincial leaders, including B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon, expressed disappointment—emphasizing the urgent need for supportive housing in the area—local coalition members welcomed the decision. They hope future plans will include a mix of market and non-market housing that better fits the neighborhood’s needs.
Next Steps for the Site Remain Unclear
The city has not announced new plans for the city-owned property, which sits just a block from a future Broadway subway station. Officials and community members agree that any future development should be shaped by open dialogue and tailored to the needs of both vulnerable residents and the broader Kitsilano community.
Vancouver’s decision to cancel the Kitsilano social housing project marks a turning point in the city’s approach, signaling a shift toward more community-driven, balanced housing solutions.
