Vancouver Safeway megatowers move forward, but critics question affordability

Vancouver’s City Council has taken a significant step toward a controversial housing project by approving the rezoning application for the Safeway site at Commercial Drive and Broadway. Local developer Westbank plans to construct three high-rise rental towers, adding over 1,000 new rental homes to the area. Despite this increase in housing, many critics, including affordability advocates, have raised alarms about the project's implications for local residents. They argue that the development will predominantly feature luxury suites, with only 10 percent of units offered at the city-wide average rental rate, leaving many residents unable to afford housing. The project is part of a pilot program that waives typical requirements for affordable units, which city officials say is designed to leverage city-owned land for long-term revenue generation.

Critics like Paisley Woodward of No Megatowers At Safeway argue that this approach sacrifices community needs for developer profits. The rezoning application is set to move to a public hearing next month, which will provide an opportunity for community feedback. If approved, this development will mark the largest project under the Grandview-Woodland Community Plan, raising questions about the future of housing affordability in Vancouver.