The City of Vancouver has officially approved the Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan—an ambitious blueprint poised to transform East Vancouver’s SkyTrain corridor into a vibrant, connected, and climate-resilient hub over the next 30 years. Unanimously endorsed by City Council on July 8, 2025, this long-anticipated plan sets the stage for thousands of new homes, jobs, and public amenities between Rupert and Renfrew SkyTrain stations.
A Transit-Oriented Vision for Inclusive Growth
Spanning approximately 1,631 acres from Parker Street in the north to E 27th Avenue in the south, the Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan outlines a bold vision: to create a neighbourhood rich in housing options, economic opportunity, green space, and cultural vitality. It emphasizes equity, sustainability, and Indigenous reconciliation—all grounded in strong community engagement.
Originally launched in late 2021, the plan supports the Vancouver Plan’s (2022) city-wide strategy for future growth. But here, the focus sharpens to meet local needs—like restoring Still Creek’s ecosystem, addressing housing affordability, and ensuring development aligns with transit access.
45-Storey Towers and “Missing Middle” Housing
At the heart of the plan is a four-pronged land use strategy designed to balance density, livability, and employment growth:
Rapid Transit Areas near the SkyTrain stations will accommodate the highest towers—up to 45 storeys—exceeding provincial minimums under Bill 47. These zones prioritize below-market rental housing and childcare in return for increased height and density. Retail, hotels, and improved transit links are also planned.
Village Areas, currently a mix of local shops and low-rise homes, will grow with six-storey buildings and multiplexes—introducing the kind of “missing middle” housing that Vancouver urgently needs.
Multiplex Zones further from transit retain R1-1 zoning but now allow up to six strata or eight rental units per lot, plus small corner stores via private rezoning.
Employment Lands—home to industrial and commercial space—will be preserved and intensified. From big-box retail and film studios in Still Creek to 30-storey mixed-use towers near transit, these areas are key to job creation. The notable exception? The 3200 E Broadway site, a 10-acre mixed-use residential development led by the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations in partnership with Aquilini Development.
Across all zones, new developments must consider Still Creek’s sensitive floodplain and groundwater dynamics—factors that informed site-specific density allowances and parking restrictions.
Welcoming 18,700 New Residents—and 8,300 Jobs
If fully implemented, the plan could deliver:
10,100 new homes,
8,300 new jobs,
And housing for 18,700 additional residents over the next 25 years.
This marks a significant step toward addressing the city’s housing crisis while bolstering its economic base. To ensure equitable development, the City will enforce strong tenant protections and prioritize below-market housing wherever feasible.
Community Roots and Engagement
Rich in cultural history and social infrastructure, the Rupert-Renfrew corridor has long been home to diverse communities and Indigenous presence. Over 70% of its 31,000 residents identify as visible minorities—well above the city average.
Recognizing this, the planning process included deep and multilingual outreach, including 72 engagement events, 2,100+ survey responses, and materials in Chinese, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Indigenous nations were closely involved throughout all four engagement phases, culminating in feedback-driven refinements earlier this year.
$1.2 Billion in Capital Investments
Realizing this vision will require an estimated $1.2 billion in capital and in-kind investments over the next decade. From new parks and childcare centres to transportation upgrades, these investments are critical to support the area’s anticipated population and job growth.
To help fund this, Vancouver will amend its Community Amenity Contributions (CAC) policy for the area. Market rental projects with childcare or below-market units will be exempt, while strata developers will follow newly set CAC targets—subject to review in 2026.
Additional measures include new design guidelines, streamlined rezoning processes (especially in low-rise and village areas), and repeals of outdated local plans.
A Model for Future Growth in Vancouver
With its mix of high-density towers, expanded job zones, and creekside ecological restoration, the Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan reflects a new era of planning in Vancouver—one rooted in equity, climate resilience, and livability.
It also offers a preview of how other neighbourhoods might evolve in response to the Vancouver Plan’s city-wide goals. For longtime residents and future homebuyers alike, the area is set to become a dynamic and desirable place to live, work, and grow.
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