Room for hotels updated policy to open doors for new hotel developments

Vancouver's City Council has approved an updated Hotel Policy designed to expedite new hotel developments in response to increasing demand. This initiative follows a 2023 motion and aligns with the Broadway Plan Review updates made in 2024. Mayor Ken Sim emphasized that tourism is critical to Vancouver's economy, and the city is nearing its goal of adding 10,000 new hotel rooms, with thousands already in the pipeline. Collaborating with key industry players such as Destination Vancouver and the BC Hotel Association, the City aims to revitalize the hospitality sector, which has seen a net loss of hotel rooms since 2002. The updated policy includes measures to encourage hotel construction in the Downtown Core and relax restrictions on mixed-use developments.

Additionally, it allows for increased density on commercial high streets and grants existing hotels opportunities to renew and expand. The City Council will continue to monitor the policy's impact and explore innovative solutions, such as pod hotels and micro-suites, to further diversify accommodations. This proactive approach aims to prevent potential economic losses of up to $30. 6 billion by 2050 if the hospitality demand remains unmet.