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Downtown Eastside policy updates to increase social housing
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The Downtown Eastside Plan identified the urgent need for self-contained social housing at affordable rents. This was supported by feedback from recent engagement at the DTES Plan Community Fair.
This policy review was identified as a priority action in order to:
Enable a modest increase in density and height for 100% social housing through changes to existing zoning
Create greater flexibility for projects that deliver 100% social housing through the rezoning process
Clarify policies to improve development processes and reduce application times
What are the proposed changes?
1. Downtown Eastside Oppenheimer District
a) Under zoning - DTES Oppenheimer District Official Development Plan (sub areas 2, 3, 4)
Density: increase of 1.0 FSR (floor space ratio) from 4.5 FSR for a maximum of 5.5 FSR
Height: increase of 7.6 metres from 22.9 metres for a maximum of 30.5 metres
b) Through rezoning policy
Through the existing rezoning process, a density of approximately 5 FSR and height of approximately 30.5 metres may be considered.
The proposed rezoning policy allows additional density and height to be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on heritage considerations, site context, e.g. site size, location, adjacent buildings, neighbourhood, etc.), urban design performance, and detailed proposal review.
2. Thornton Park / East False Creek
a) Under zoning - FC-1 District Schedule
Density: increase of 1.0 FSR from 5.0 FSR for a maximum of 6.0 FSR (increase residential limit to 4.5 FSR).
Height: A maximum of 83.9 metres (not to encroach on protected public views) is currently allowed. No changes are proposed.
b) Through rezoning policy
Through the existing rezoning process, only additional density may be considered based on context and design. Height is restricted to 22.9m (75 ft) under the existing rezoning process.
The proposed rezoning policy allows additional density and height to be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on heritage considerations, site context, e.g. site size, location, adjacent buildings, neighbourhood, etc.), urban design performance, and detailed proposal review.
The survey is now closed. Thank you for your participation.
The Downtown Eastside Plan identified the urgent need for self-contained social housing at affordable rents. This was supported by feedback from recent engagement at the DTES Plan Community Fair.
This policy review was identified as a priority action in order to:
Enable a modest increase in density and height for 100% social housing through changes to existing zoning
Create greater flexibility for projects that deliver 100% social housing through the rezoning process
Clarify policies to improve development processes and reduce application times
What are the proposed changes?
1. Downtown Eastside Oppenheimer District
a) Under zoning - DTES Oppenheimer District Official Development Plan (sub areas 2, 3, 4)
Density: increase of 1.0 FSR (floor space ratio) from 4.5 FSR for a maximum of 5.5 FSR
Height: increase of 7.6 metres from 22.9 metres for a maximum of 30.5 metres
b) Through rezoning policy
Through the existing rezoning process, a density of approximately 5 FSR and height of approximately 30.5 metres may be considered.
The proposed rezoning policy allows additional density and height to be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on heritage considerations, site context, e.g. site size, location, adjacent buildings, neighbourhood, etc.), urban design performance, and detailed proposal review.
2. Thornton Park / East False Creek
a) Under zoning - FC-1 District Schedule
Density: increase of 1.0 FSR from 5.0 FSR for a maximum of 6.0 FSR (increase residential limit to 4.5 FSR).
Height: A maximum of 83.9 metres (not to encroach on protected public views) is currently allowed. No changes are proposed.
b) Through rezoning policy
Through the existing rezoning process, only additional density may be considered based on context and design. Height is restricted to 22.9m (75 ft) under the existing rezoning process.
The proposed rezoning policy allows additional density and height to be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on heritage considerations, site context, e.g. site size, location, adjacent buildings, neighbourhood, etc.), urban design performance, and detailed proposal review.
Downtown Eastside policy updates to increase social housing has finished this stage
Strategic Directions strove to create more social housing and greater housing choice for those who are homeless, as well as motivate for partner contributions to build more social housing.
Nov 2017 - Housing Vancouver 3 Year Action Plan
Downtown Eastside policy updates to increase social housing has finished this stage
Allow modest increase in heights and density to enable non-market housing in recently approved community plans, including the DTES Plan.
June 2019 - DTES Plan community fair
Downtown Eastside policy updates to increase social housing has finished this stage
The community event engaged residents, non-profits and businesses on DTES Plan implementation. A key finding was the continued need and support for more social housing.
Oct 2019 - DTES Plan Implementation Council Memo
Downtown Eastside policy updates to increase social housing has finished this stage
This policy review to increase social housing was identified as a priority action item.
Summer 2021 - Vancouver Plan phase 1
Downtown Eastside policy updates to increase social housing has finished this stage
This policy review was identified as a quick start action that aligns with long-term City housing objectives and supports partnership and funding opportunities to create more social housing within the DTES.
September 2021 - Engagement
Downtown Eastside policy updates to increase social housing is currently at this stage
Downtown Eastside policy updates to increase social housing is currently at this stage
This consultation was open for contributions until September 22, 2021.
Spring/Summer 2022 - Report to Council and public hearing
this is an upcoming stage for Downtown Eastside policy updates to increase social housing
Detailed proposed amendments and a summary of consultation feedback will be brought to Council for consideration spring/summer 2022.