Vancouver City Council Approves Over 3,000 New Homes

Vancouver City Council has given the green light to over 3,000 new homes during the latter half of 2025, following a series of rezoning approvals for significant residential projects. This decision includes the approval of 15 residential towers, which will contribute to the city’s ongoing efforts to address housing shortages.

In total, the council approved 10 major residential projects from July to December 2025. This marked a decrease in the number of major projects compared to the first half of the year, when 18 high-rise towers alone were approved in the second quarter, resulting in approximately 3,700 homes. The recent approvals comprise a mix of housing types, with 2,470 secured purpose-built market rental homes, including 2,135 market rental units and 335 below-market rental units, alongside 336 social housing units and 233 strata market ownership condominium homes.

The approved projects predominantly reside within the downtown Vancouver peninsula and Broadway Plan areas, strategically located near existing or planned SkyTrain stations. Among the notable projects is a mid-rise building developed by TELUS, which will incorporate telecommunications infrastructure.

While the second half of 2025 saw fewer project-based approvals, the first part of 2026 is anticipated to be more active. City staff are expected to finalize numerous applications and recommendations, leading to public hearings for various projects prior to the October 2026 civic election.

Key Residential Projects Approved

The following highlights some of the significant residential projects that received approval:

– **2079-2085 West 5th Avenue**: This project will introduce a net gain of 178 homes, with the rezoning application approved on July 8, 2025.

– **1855 West 2nd Avenue**: Expected to yield a net gain of 135 homes, this project received approval on July 8, 2025.

– **254 East 12th Avenue**: This site will produce a net gain of 110 homes, with approval granted on July 8, 2025.

– **414-420 West Pender Street**: Approved on July 10, 2025, this project will generate a net gain of 100 percent in homes.

– **4001-4009 Knight Street and 1348 East 24th Avenue**: This project, approved on July 10, 2025, will add 232 homes to the city.

– **1111 Broughton Street**: This redevelopment will provide a net gain of homes on a previously fire-damaged site, with approval granted on October 30, 2025.

The council also approved Vancouver’s largest hotel project in decades, which will feature a mix of laboratory, research, and office space. The rezoning application for this project was approved on October 23, 2025.

The city is facing increasing demand for housing, and these recent approvals aim to address that need. With a focus on a variety of housing types, the Vancouver City Council is taking steps to create a more diverse and affordable living environment for residents. The upcoming months are likely to see continued activity as the city plans for future developments.