Controversial Vancouver Chinatown development unanimously approved

The concept of a proposed building Beedie Living is hoping to build at 105 Keefer Street in Vancouver's Chinatown neighbourhood. (Courtesy: Beedie Living)

By Michael Williams and Charlie Carey and Emily Marsten

Posted June 26, 2023 1:44 pm.

Last Updated June 26, 2023 5:25 pm.

A controversial condo development in Vancouver’s Chinatown was unanimously approved by Vancouver’s Development Permit Board on Monday.

The redevelopment of 105 Keefer Street had encountered strong resistance over the years, especially from low-income seniors, tenants, and advocates in Chinatown who claim the project ignores the needs of the neighbourhood.

The unanimous approval is subject to a series of recommendations, including changes to the building’s facade and improving the building’s relationship to nearby “culturally significant” features such as the Chinatown Memorial Monument.

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The condo building is projected to include nine levels of condos, but would not have any social housing units. The company previously made a proposal in 2017 that was rejected, prompting a lawsuit from Beedie claiming the board’s decision was unfair and made in bad faith. In 2022, the court ruled the city had to reconsider the proposal.

On May 30, the decision was expected to be made but ended up being delayed following a large turnout of people looking to speak at the hearing.

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