“FAST-TRACK” REZONING PROPOSAL OF 2,400 PROPERTIES PUTS LOCAL BUSINESSES AND SERVICE WORKERS AT RISK

TEAM for a Livable Vancouver calls for protection of local businesses from upzoning that will raise costs

VANCOUVER, MAY 4, 2026 – On Tuesday, City Council is voting on a  “fast-track” rezoning of 2,400 properties along neighbourhood corridors in order to expedite 6-8 storey market rentals and hotels. 

Approval of this will result in higher land values – and higher rents for local businesses. The associated “land lift” value from rezoning will increase property taxes on the affected properties. Property taxes in the target areas are typically about four times higher than residential rates for existing small businesses, most of which are already struggling. This blanket rezoning will benefit only chain stores and big companies. The new buildings allowed under this fast-track plan will overwhelm older character shopping areas.

Some of our city’s most vibrant streets and shopping areas will be affected. That includes Main Street, Fraser Street, Victoria Drive, Kerrisdale, Kingsway and West 4th Avenue. These corridors contain heritage storefronts, some of which are over a hundred years old.

TEAM wants to protect our local businesses from this rezoning tsunami. Small businesses are the beating heart of our economy. Residents value their close connection to the community; service workers rely on them for employment.

The Broadway Plan, the ODP, the soon-to-be-imposed “Villages” and this fast-track initiative all leave residents without a voice about significant changes to their neighbourhoods.

“A TEAM majority council would put an end to mass rezonings and ensure that local businesses and service workers thrive, rather than continue to get pushed out in favour of big box retailers and corporate chains,” says TEAM mayoral candidate Colleen Hardwick. “TEAM will restore proper public consultation as part of a broader effort to bring back participatory planning to the city zoning process.”

The only public hearing regarding this sweeping rezoning plan will take place at City Hall on Tuesday at 5 p.m. TEAM suggests residents use this opportunity to voice their opposition.