Vancouver councillor proposes more housing in Shaughnessy

Vancouver city council will hear a motion next week aimed at unlocking more zoning options for the historic Shaughnessy neighbourhood.

Councillor Christine Boyle’s motion will potentially allow for more types of housing in the area largely known for its huge single-family mansions.

Boyle says if it goes through, she will specifically look at adding density for non-profit, co-op housing, and mixed-income rentals.

“It’s important to the health and vibrancy of every neighbourhood, including Shaughnessy, that we continue to welcome neighbours in, that we build vibrant, walkable neighbourhoods,” she said.

Boyle says Shaughnessy is one of the only areas in Vancouver that has actually seen its population decline over the past 50 years.

She is expecting some pushback from locals but says adding new housing there would not displace renters, noting there isn’t a lot of rental housing in the area currently.

“It’s not healthy for a centrally located neighborhood to be shrinking in population … to have fewer neighbours while all the neighbourhoods around it grow and welcome new people,” said Boyle.

She tells CityNews she wants to balance supporting the need for adding more affordable housing with protecting the heritage houses in the neighbourhood.

“I think it’s an important climate action, it’s an important piece of equity across the city to make sure that more Vancouverites across all income levels can call this beautiful neighborhood home.”

-With files from Srushti Gangdev