Dear friends, families, neighbours,

It is with immense gratitude that we share this encouraging news letter with you from the Kitsilano Coalition!

As always, 

Parents for Thoughtful City Planning

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As shared in previous updates, on December 23, 2024, the BC Court of Appeal ruled unanimously in favor of our Appeal, declaring the BCNDP’s Bill 26 legislation—intended to fast-track the 7th/8th & Arbutus rezoning—as unconstitutional and of no effect. This landmark decision upheld the constitutional right of individuals and communities to challenge government actions and demand transparency. [Read our official statement from December 23, 2024 here.]

Following this decision, we resumed our original Judicial Review against the City of Vancouver's flawed public hearing on July 26, 2022, regarding the rezoning application. This review was filed on October 12, 2022, during the term of the previous City Council under Mayor Kennedy Stewart. [Read our statement at the time of filing here.]

We are pleased to report that the City of Vancouver has now consented to our Judicial Review, meaning:

• The rezoning application for 7th/8th & Arbutus has been quashed.
• The associated by-law, housing agreement, and development permit are all void and of no effect.
• The city owned site at 7th/8th & Arbutus is no longer rezoned or approved for development.

In addition and of relevance, is that the non disclosed, non legally-binding MOU, which supported the application, expired December 31, 2023.

We’re encouraged by initial discussions with Mayor Ken Sim’s office and City staff, who have shown interest in developing a better, community-supported solution for this City-owned land. 

It is our understanding that the intent is to focus on a solution that fits with the location of this City owned site, which is located 17 meters from a 450 child elementary school, across from a toddler park, next to a new Subway station and successful women's recovery home.

In February 2025, Mayor Sim introduced and passed a motion to pause new supportive housing projects in Vancouver, aiming to allow for focus on improving existing supportive housing stock and encourage more distribution of supportive housing across the metro region. Currently 77 % of all supportive housing in Metro Vancouver is located in the City of Vancouver. This aligns with our long-standing position that the current supportive housing model is flawed and ineffective, both for residents and communities across the City and Province.

The original proposal for 129 single-room, low barrier supportive housing units with an in-house drug consumption room, was an inefficient and ineffective use of City owned land and funding. We believe the site can accommodate more diverse housing options that better serve local needs, including those of families, children, elderly and many others needing affordable housing near schools and transit.

We are optimistic about the City and Council working with the community to develop a model project—one that could become a positive example for both Vancouver and the broader Province.

Thank you for your continued support. We’ll keep you updated as information unfolds.

Call for Support: Legal Funding Needed 
 

While we hope this marks the end of legal proceedings, we’ve incurred significant legal expenses to reach this point. The Kitsilano Coalition is entirely volunteer-driven, so every contribution goes directly toward legal fees and minimal IT costs.

With the City’s consent now in place, we’re asking for your support to help cover both outstanding and ongoing legal costs. If you're able, please consider making a confidential contribution.

Please click this link for options on how to CONTRIBUTE NOW

Though we may not have the resources to thank each of you individually, please know you have our heartfelt gratitude for your support and continued confidence in the Kitsilano Coalition.

Relevant Links and Media

Recent Media stories on relevant topics 

Business in Vancouver: (Feb 27, 2025) - Analysis for Vancouver City Council Motion to Pause Supportive Housing approvals in Vancouver  Read Here

Globe and Mail (May be paywalled. May 24th, 2025): How Fentanyl transformed Victoria's Pandora Avenue  Read Here
 

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