LOCAL GOVERNMENT OUT OF TOUCH WITH PEOPLE, SAYS TEAM

VANCOUVER (March 16, 2026) -- City Council’s Thursday decision to refer a proposed 25-storey tower at 2030 Barclay back to staff proves people power works, says TEAM for a Livable Vancouver.

TEAM applauds the West End community for its intense effort, which involved months of campaigning and signature gathering, two City Hall rallies, and three public hearings.

Another example of successful pushback by residents against a development proposal that’s out of sync with the community was Council’s decision to send a controversial multi-tower proposal in Strathcona back to City staff for reconsideration. Local residents said property developer Westbank’s plan to build three towers in the 1000 and 1100 blocks of East Hastings was out of scale for the neighbourhood.

“Residents matter, and should have a voice in planning their neighbourhoods,

” said former TEAM councillor Colleen Hardwick. “All too often property development ambitions trump local voices.  In an election year, Council read the room and didn’t just rubber-stamp approval.”  

But Council’s unanimous approval of the Official Development Plan on March 11 shows our neighbourhoods are still in danger. That decision was made despite more than 80% public opposition. It’s yet another sign that none of the political parties on Council can be trusted to put the interests of residents over those of the development industry.

TEAM for a Livable Vancouver would do things differently.