Hundreds rally to oppose 133-unit condo proposal in Vancouvers Chinatown

More than 200 demonstrators gathered outside Vancouver’s city hall to oppose Beedie Holdings' plan for a nine-storey, 133-unit market condo in Chinatown. Activists argue that the project will contribute to gentrification and call for more affordable housing options for seniors. The city’s development permit board heard from staff recommending approval of a revised design that addresses previous concerns. Protesters highlighted the project's controversial history, as Beedie now refers to it by a different address. Asura Enkhbayar from the Vancouver Tenants Union articulated the community's desire for a Chinatown that supports low-income residents and preserves cultural heritage.

The development permit board received testimony from 122 speakers, with nearly all opposing the project. Many expressed that the hearing should address broader issues related to gentrification rather than just building design. Jessica Hanzelkova urged the board to reject the proposal, citing unmet conditions from the previous development permit.