Dan Fumano: Taller, denser, faster: Vancouver city council backs more ‘non-compliant’ housing proposals

Vancouver city council this week green-lit mixed-use developments significantly bigger that what local zoning would normally allow, again signalling to city staff — and the city at large — their desire to go bigger and faster on housing.

City staff presented two separate projects, both on South Oak Street, to council through a new program for proposals that are “non-compliant” with existing plans and policies, but may align with council priorities and offer significant public benefits.

These two projects, staff said, would “significantly deviate in height and density from the Cambie Corridor Plan” — with towers of up to 30 storeys — but would also include a long-term care facility, seniors’ housing, child care, ground-floor commercial space, social housing, condos and rental homes. The mayor and council weren’t considering any final approvals this week on these projects, but staff recommended they move ahead through an “enhanced rezoning” process.