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The City of Vancouver is exploring ways to support existing and new corner stores, and other small-scale shops and services in residential areas.
Vancouver used to have lots of shops and services sprinkled throughout its neighbourhoods. At their peak, in the 1920s, there were approximately 260 active corner stores. However, when the first zoning bylaw was introduced, these stores were seen as less desirable, and planning regulations made them hard to build. The number of stores has been declining ever since.
Over the last few decades, there has been a renewed interest in supporting corner stores. Some small changes to zoning regulations have been made, but there is the opportunity to do more.
More recently, in 2022, Council approved the Vancouver Plan – a long-range strategy to guide growth and change in the city. One of the core objectives of the Plan is the creation of more complete neighbourhoods, where people have easy access to daily and weekly needs. Corner stores could play a role in helping to achieve that goal.
Get involved!
Our fall 2023 survey is now closed; however our digital mapping feature will remain open for a few more days. If you've got a story to share about a favourite corner store, click on the "Map" tab below and follow the instructions.
For more on the corner store project, read our background materials under Related Documents (English only).
Your feedback will be used to inform future policy and regulatory changes expected to take place in 2024. Results from this engagement process will be available later this year.
The City of Vancouver is exploring ways to support existing and new corner stores, and other small-scale shops and services in residential areas.
Vancouver used to have lots of shops and services sprinkled throughout its neighbourhoods. At their peak, in the 1920s, there were approximately 260 active corner stores. However, when the first zoning bylaw was introduced, these stores were seen as less desirable, and planning regulations made them hard to build. The number of stores has been declining ever since.
Over the last few decades, there has been a renewed interest in supporting corner stores. Some small changes to zoning regulations have been made, but there is the opportunity to do more.
More recently, in 2022, Council approved the Vancouver Plan – a long-range strategy to guide growth and change in the city. One of the core objectives of the Plan is the creation of more complete neighbourhoods, where people have easy access to daily and weekly needs. Corner stores could play a role in helping to achieve that goal.
Get involved!
Our fall 2023 survey is now closed; however our digital mapping feature will remain open for a few more days. If you've got a story to share about a favourite corner store, click on the "Map" tab below and follow the instructions.
For more on the corner store project, read our background materials under Related Documents (English only).
Your feedback will be used to inform future policy and regulatory changes expected to take place in 2024. Results from this engagement process will be available later this year.
In 2021, Council approved changes to reduce zoning limitations on new small grocery businesses and streamlined housing opportunities associated with corner stores.
Assessing further opportunities for corner stores
Corner stores and more! is currently at this stage
Summer - Fall 2023
We're looking for your input on ways to support existing and new corner stores in residential areas.
Engagement summary
this is an upcoming stage for Corner stores and more!
Fall 2023
Input gathered through the engagement process will be summarized and available in late Fall 2023.
Policy and regulatory changes
this is an upcoming stage for Corner stores and more!
2024
Feedback from the 2023 engagement, along with technical analysis, will provide the foundation for future policy and regulatory changes expected to take place in 2024.
