Articles tagged with "Government and Policy"

Holborn Group has revealed plans for four towers in downtown Vancouver, designed by Henriquez Partners Architects. The development will include 1,939 homes, 920 hotel suites, and a host of public amenities, incorporating unique Pacific Northwest architectural inspirations. One of the towers, a 68-story hotel, will become Vancouver's first supertall building at 1,034 ft, making it the tallest structure in British Columbia. The project aims to include substantial public spaces, such as a public plaza and a rooftop observation deck with free access.

The Construction Plastics Initiative (CPI) Benchmarking Study by Vancouver-based Light House assesses plastic waste management in Canadian construction projects. It highlights that plastics are often under-tracked and under-managed, calling for better reporting and recycling practices. The study aims to guide the industry towards a circular economy, supported by initiatives like pilot programs in British Columbia. It suggests that plastic diversion rates could eclipse 80% with improved practices and partnerships.

The West Vancouver council has decided to uphold a demolition order for a structure built without proper authorization on a property valued at $6.7 million. Kamran Gerami, who was involved in the construction, defended the project by stating that it was conducted by the book. Despite these claims, the council remains firm in their decision against the unauthorized structure. The case highlights issues within construction compliance and local government regulations.

Sightline Properties has proposed a major redevelopment near Vancouver's Renfrew SkyTrain station, involving four mixed-use high-rise residential towers with 1,959 homes. This development, the first under the city's new Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan, aims to integrate transit-oriented density with sustainable design features. The project, spanning 133,000 square feet, will include both condominium and rental units, along with retail spaces, and will be constructed in phases. The towers will range from 39 to 45 storeys, with a portion of the housing being below-market rental units.

UBC-Okanagan intends to replace the damaged building in Kelowna due to an ethical obligation. Upon completion, a land swap agreement will take place between the city and the university. UBC-O will acquire the Hadgraft-Wilson property, and the city will assume ownership of the new site. This project marks a collaboration aimed at the strategic use of urban space.

Beedie, a real estate developer, submitted a revised design for a controversial project at 105 Keefer Street in Vancouver's Chinatown. The project has faced significant public opposition and regulatory challenges, including previous rejections and a legal battle with the city. The updated nine-storey proposal, designed by architect James Cheng, includes 133 residential units, retail space, and a social services center, aiming to address earlier critiques. The city is currently accepting public feedback, with a decision from the Development Permit Board expected in October 2025.

The B.C. General Employee Union is advocating for contract language updates to accommodate approximately 4,000 members who either work from home full-time or part-time. These members are pushing to have their remote work recognized in new contract terms. This move reflects the ongoing shift towards remote work in the workforce. The union aims to secure these provisions in future agreements.

Sightline Properties is planning to construct four high-rise towers, ranging from 39 to 45 storeys, on a 3.06-acre site near Renfrew Station in Vancouver. The development will consist of 1,959 residential units split into strata and rental units, including below-market options, and will feature commercial and childcare spaces. This proposal aligns with the Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan, which envisions high-density development in the area. The City of Vancouver will host a Q&A period to discuss the project details.

Apartment-building sales in Metro Vancouver saw a significant decline in the first half of the year, primarily driven by a drop in suburban property transactions. The dollar volume decreased by 40%, with the number of transactions falling 46%. Notably, sales by non-profit and government buyers declined, contributing to the downturn. However, new construction represented 64% of the total sales volume, and a rebound is anticipated in the second half of the year.

New Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced plans to expedite a series of new industrial projects across Canada, aiming to counteract the economic impact of the ongoing trade dispute with the United States. This initiative includes the possibility of reviving an oil pipeline to British Columbia's North Coast. These projects are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the nation's infrastructure and economy. The move is positioned as a step towards national development amidst geopolitical tensions.

BC Hydro, the City of Victoria, and the District of Saanich have received funding from the Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program to install 495 electric vehicle chargers across British Columbia. BC Hydro will receive $21.8 million to install nearly 400 chargers across various locations, while Victoria and Saanich will receive smaller amounts for municipal and community installations. This funding aims to enhance the province's EV charging infrastructure despite public opposition to new-car EV sales mandates. The initiative targets increasing accessibility in main travel routes, public locations, and residential areas.

Bosa Properties, in partnership with Chunghwa, has proposed a 40-storey residential tower in Burnaby, near Central Park. The project will contain 327 market rental units and 91 non-market units, including replacements for existing rental spaces. A unique rental unit transfer proposal seeks to adjust unit allocations among nearby projects, improving economics while maintaining overall unit commitments. If successful, the project will integrate transportation demand management strategies and is anticipated to proceed soon, following favorable city council discussions.