Vancouver's Kits Point neighbourhood is set to undergo significant transportation upgrades as the City prepares for the transformative Sen̓áḵw development. Designed to improve safety and connectivity for people walking, biking, and rolling, these changes aim to support future population growth while preserving neighbourhood livability.

A New Era for Kits Point Mobility

The Kits Point area is about to become a model for multimodal urban design. In response to the upcoming Sen̓áḵw development — a landmark, car-lite, rental-focused project by the Squamish Nation — the City of Vancouver is rolling out a phased package of street upgrades that prioritize active transportation and safety improvements.

Slated to begin in late 2025, these infrastructure changes will reshape key streets in Kits Point to align with the city's long-term goals under Transportation 2040 and its Reconciliation Framework.

About the Sen̓áḵw Development

Sen̓áḵw is an ambitious, 10.5-acre master-planned community on Squamish Nation reserve lands adjacent to Vanier Park. The project is being developed outside of Vancouver’s municipal zoning authority, with a focus on purpose-built rental housing—6,000 homes in total.

Its design emphasizes transit access, cycling, and walkability, aiming to create a high-density, sustainable community with minimal reliance on personal vehicles. To support this, the Squamish Nation and the City of Vancouver signed a Services Agreement in May 2022, ensuring the City will deliver essential municipal services—including emergency response, utilities, and transportation upgrades.

*Photo by City of Vancouver

What’s Changing in Kits Point

The first round of improvements will focus on Greer Avenue, Cypress Street, Chestnut Street, and Cornwall Avenue, and are designed to enhance safety and comfort for all users:

• Greer Avenue will see wider sidewalks and a two-way bike lane on its south side.

• Cypress Street will gain one-way bike lanes in both directions, extended north to Greer Avenue.

• Chestnut Street will feature a two-way protected bike lane on its east side to Park Lane.

• Cornwall Avenue and Cypress Street will become a protected intersection, with pedestrian islands and dedicated signal phases to manage vehicle turning movements.

These interventions aim to maintain vehicle access while rebalancing the streetscape to better serve the anticipated increase in walking and cycling trips.

Listening to the Community

Public engagement was a key component of the planning process. Between February and March 2023, the City hosted virtual sessions, surveys, and email outreach, gathering over 350 pieces of public feedback. Among the top concerns were:

• Loss of parking

• Increased vehicle traffic

• Complicated circulation for drivers

At the same time, residents expressed strong support for:

• Safer infrastructure for walking, biking, and rolling

• Sustainability enhancements

• Expanded parking management strategies

In response, the City refined its designs to better address these issues. For instance, a layby for short-term loading will be added to Cypress Street, and raised intersections will be built to reduce vehicle speeds.

Addressing Specific Street Concerns

Community members also voiced street-specific suggestions, and many of these are being incorporated:

• On Cypress Street, a raised crossing and signal timing adjustments will improve safety at the driveway near Cornwall Avenue.

• On Greer Avenue, new street trees and additional space for active transportation are being prioritized.

• On Chestnut Street, the request to convert the street to full two-way access was declined due to space constraints, but it will remain accessible for large vehicles and emergency responders.

• Public bike share stations are now planned for Greer Ave, Chestnut St, and Cornwall Ave.

A parking study is also underway, set to inform a consultation in late 2024 or early 2025.

Why This Matters

Kits Point is more than just a residential pocket—it’s a regional destination, home to museums, the beach, and green space. Its current population of roughly 1,500 is expected to grow significantly once Sen̓áḵw is complete.

By investing in safe, multimodal connections now, the City hopes to ensure that new residents and long-time locals alike can move through the area easily and sustainably. The upgrades will not only enhance access to Kits Point’s cultural destinations but also buffer the neighbourhood from potential traffic impacts tied to rapid development.

What’s Next

With designs finalized and feedback incorporated, construction of the new infrastructure is planned for late 2025. In the meantime, City staff will continue to monitor traffic operations, engage with stakeholders, and prepare for the upcoming parking policy review.

Curious how these transportation changes could shape the future of Kits Point—and the broader West Side? We’re watching this closely to keep our clients informed every step of the way. Want to stay in the loop?

The landscape around Vancouver’s Rupert and Renfrew SkyTrain stations is poised for a major transformation. With the City of Vancouver now in the final planning stages, the Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan outlines an ambitious 30-year vision to guide growth, housing, transportation, and job creation in this key East Vancouver corridor. Tied closely to the broader Vancouver Plan (2022), this local strategy aims to reshape how residents live, work, and move through the neighbourhood—while acknowledging its deep Indigenous roots.

A Future Shaped by Reconciliation, Resilience, and Density

Collaboration with Host Nations

A central pillar of the plan is reconciliation with the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Their presence is not only acknowledged in ceremonial terms, but is materially integrated into redevelopment efforts. A standout example is the transformation of 3200 East Broadway—the former Liquor Distribution Centre—into a landmark mixed-use development led by the Nations. This site sits at the heart of the Plan Area and will offer homes, employment space, public amenities, and culturally grounded design.

Environmental Renewal Through Still Creek

Still Creek, an ecological gem buried for decades under industrial and urban growth, will be revitalized through “daylighting”—a process of uncovering and restoring streams. The plan includes ecological corridors, trails, and natural green spaces to reconnect people and wildlife with this historic waterway. With overwhelming public support (94.2% in favour), enhancements to Still Creek are seen as a catalyst for restoring biodiversity and reducing flood risk.

High-Rises, Missing Middle, and New Villages: Housing for All

Transit-Oriented Density Around Stations

In the area closest to Rupert and Renfrew stations, expect dramatic changes to the skyline. High-rise buildings—ranging from 29 to 45 storeys—are proposed for these “Station Areas,” supported by an expanded retail and services base. New buildings will be shaped by housing tenure, with incentives for market rental, below-market rental, and social housing units. Public feedback reveals strong support for density near transit, especially if affordability and infrastructure keep pace.

Complete Communities in Villages and Multiplex Zones

Beyond the towers, the plan proposes a patchwork of mid-rise “villages” (up to 6 storeys) and “multiplex” zones (3–4 storeys) to create walkable neighbourhoods with shops, services, and community amenities. These areas aim to welcome families and middle-income earners through expanded housing options. However, some residents expressed concerns over affordability and neighbourhood character, especially where height and scale could disrupt the existing fabric.

Twelve ‘Unique Sites’ for Special Treatment

Several notable locations, including Frog Hollow and the Italian Cultural Centre, are earmarked for tailored development strategies. These sites will mix residential, cultural, and public realm enhancements to reflect their heritage and community importance.

*Photo by City of Vancouver

A Plan for Jobs and Business Growth

Employment Lands Reinforced, Not Replaced

Rather than opening employment lands to housing—a move opposed by city policy—the plan envisions denser job spaces near transit hubs. Think taller buildings for light industrial, retail, office, and even artist studios. While some respondents pushed for more residential in these areas, the city remains firm: the area’s commercial base must remain intact to support future job growth.

Big box retail along Grandview Highway will stay—but with a future-oriented twist. Mixed-use redevelopment (e.g., residential atop retail) may be encouraged, while pedestrian and cycling infrastructure will make these shopping areas more accessible and community-friendly.

Greener, Safer, More Connected Streets

A 25-Year Public Realm Strategy

The updated plan doesn’t just build up—it opens space for people. A new Public Realm Strategy outlines a long-term vision to transform roads, plazas, and underutilized corners into vibrant public places. The goal: make it easier to walk, bike, and roll across the neighbourhood while integrating greenspaces, rain gardens, and tree-lined corridors.

Proposed greenways and improvements to pedestrian safety reflect community desires for quieter, people-first streets, even as the area densifies. Concerns about traffic congestion and parking were noted, but so was strong support (over 88%) for the plan’s transportation upgrades.

Next Steps: What’s Coming in 2025

Now in its final phase, the Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan is being refined based on technical and economic analysis, as well as robust public feedback. Updates to land use, density, and public space strategy have already been made. The Final Plan is expected to go to Vancouver City Council in Summer 2025 for debate and decision.

If approved, the area’s transformation will unfold gradually over decades—marking one of the most significant planning efforts in East Vancouver in recent memory.

Curious how this could shape the future of East Vancouver? We’re tracking projects like the Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan closely to help our clients stay informed and ahead of the curve. Want to be one of them?