105 Keefer Gets Development Approval

This vacant lot will have a nine-storey condo building

Six years after its proposal was rejected, developer Beedie Holdings Ltd's controversial plans to build a nine-storey building with luxury condos in Chinatown were approved this afternoon.

The decision on 105 Keefer Street by Vancouver's development permit board was unanimous -- but with some conditions, including adjustments to the building's facade, and improving the building's relationship to nearby "cultural significant" features, such as the Chinatown Memorial Monument, and the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.

Architect's rendering of 105 Keefer development

Rob Fiorvento, managing partner of Beedie, said the company was "obviously pleased" with the decision and "we look forward to working with city staff and community groups to move this project forward."

However, to say those who were vehemently opposed to the project were upset would be an understatement.

When the announcement was made, Melody Ma of #savechinatownyvr tweeted "The @cityofvancouver is on the wrong side of history".

Jade Ho is an organiser with the Vancouver Tenants Union that opposed the condo project, and said the decision marks a "singularly appalling moment" in a city that continues to prioritize "profit over people."

"The decision that they made today is going to exacerbate displacement and it's going to accelerate gentrification in a neighbourhood that is already increasingly unliveable for low-income seniors and residents," she said.

More than 140 people went to City Hall to voice their opposition to the project, a hearing that took three days to complete. Many complained the condo building's design was not cultural sensitive, that it was right next to a memorial square, and the neighbourhood's residents would be unable to afford any of the units there.

Many elderly seniors strongly opposed the project

However, several business groups in Chinatown supported the development of the land, now a parking lot, a move that has polarised the neighbourhood, with groups like Vancouver Chinatown Foundation and Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Association, Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver, and Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver for the condo development.

Ironically back in 2017 these groups opposed Beedie's proposal, but now -- despite no changes to the plans -- they have changed their minds and are keen for any kind of development in the belief that it will help revitalise the neighbourhood.

But while the city has approved this project in the hopes of increasing its housing stock, it could be years before these condos will be built -- if ever. There are still many hurdles ahead, not to mention getting enough capital to start digging up the parking lot. 

Mayor Ken Sim and his ABC Vancouver majority in City Hall are sympathetic to developers and 105 Keefer is proof of it, along with other concessions to these firms in the hopes that they will build more housing. But more checks and balances need to be made to ensure completion of these buildings otherwise nothing will have been achieved.