PC Urban has decided to develop rental apartments instead of condominiums at a property that it owns in Vancouver’s West End.

The local developer is seeking to capitalize on new City of Vancouver view cone rules, introduced in July, that allow for taller buildings at given locations. View cones refer to building-height restrictions designed to preserve views of the North Shore mountains, which provide a backdrop to Vancouver.

The relaxed view-cone rules are intended to help build more high-density housing and employment spaces.

PC Urban has submitted a new development application for 1150 Barclay Street that calls for a 21-storey purpose-built rental tower that would span 109,000 square feet and containing 152 suites. Of those, 122 units would be designated as market-rate and 30 would be reserved for below-market rents, including five deeply affordable units offered at 50% below Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation averages.

The deeply discounted units would be managed by the Seniors Services Society of BC.

“This marks a significant pivot from the original approved plan for 23 luxury condos with zero rental homes,” PC Urban wrote in the new development application.

By converting the project into full rental housing, PC Urban said, the company is “directly addressing Vancouver’s acute housing crisis and substantially increasing the local rental supply.”

According to Daily Hive Urbanized, the site currently contains a three-storey co-operative apartment building that was constructed in 1948.

The development plan noted that the revised project proposal does not fully comply with all city policies. But PC Urban and its project partners argue that the tower’s location and the pressing demand for secure housing justify the changes. The area surrounding Barclay Street already includes a mix of low-, mid-, and high-rise buildings, many of which reach 20 storeys or more.

The proposed development would include a variety of shared amenity spaces for residents, including rooftop facilities, and feature ground-level community amenities such as a 900-square-foot multi-functional space. This area could be used for childcare, seniors recreation, or events hosted by non-profit organizations.

Additionally, the project incorporates substantial bike infrastructure, with nearly 300 secured bike-parking spaces, a bicycle elevator, repair facilities, and storage for e-scooters. For those relying on cars, the underground levels will provide 45 parking spaces.

PC Urban emphasized that the proposal aligns with Vancouver’s public policy objectives around housing affordability and urban density.

“By optimizing the efficient use of urban land in an area appropriate for density, we aim to address the city’s urgent need for rental housing,” the development application stated.

Highlighting the community impact, the application expressed optimism about the potential for the project to foster economic diversity.

“The development’s focus on diversity and economic viability aims to attract a wide range of income levels, enhancing community richness and supporting local vitality,” the application stated.

The proposed project is being designed by Vancouver-based Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership.

Rendering: City of Vancouver/