East Vancouver’s Bold New Vision: City Approves 2,600 Lots for Six-Storey Apartments

In a decisive move towards addressing housing demands, the City of Vancouver has approved the rezoning of nearly 2,600 lots, allowing for six-storey low-rise apartments in the East Vancouver area. This significant change targets the neighborhoods near the Rupert and Renfrew SkyTrain stations and aims to create a diverse range of housing options, including strata market condominiums and secured rental units.

A Gateway to Housing Accessibility

The unanimous decision by the Vancouver City Council marks a pivotal moment for thousands of residents who currently occupy single-family homes in a region limited to modest multiplexes. As housing demand continues to rise, particularly in densely populated urban regions, this rezoning step enables quicker and more efficient development processes. Property owners can now bypass lengthy and often costly rezoning applications, streamlining the path to creating new homes close to transit hubs.

Aligning with Transit-Oriented Development Goals

Under the approved zoning policies, most of the lots will max out at six storeys, with select projects permitted to reach up to eight storeys if they offer social housing or a blend of market rental and below-market units. This alignment with the Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan, originally established in July 2025, demonstrates Vancouver's commitment to a transit-oriented future. By prioritizing higher-density housing in transit-accessible zones, the city is addressing critical issues like environmental sustainability and the growing need for affordable housing.

Community Impact and Future Directions

Although the change does not guarantee that every single-family home will be replaced, the new policy empowers homeowners to take charge of their property options. Discussions at recent city council meetings have highlighted the urgency of introducing additional housing policies to foster affordable living. Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung pointed out that while the move is a step in the right direction, the development of smaller multi-family residential options will come too late for some, as construction faces pressures from the current economic landscape.

Join the Movement for Housing Change

The rezoning in East Vancouver is more than just an architectural change; it symbolizes a community's shift towards accommodating a larger population through thoughtful development. As these changes unfold, residents and potential homeowners should keep an eye out for updates and be ready to engage with city planners and developers about their housing needs. Join the conversation and advocate for a sustainable, accessible future in Vancouver.