In Vancouver, there’s a trend of development projects moving forward despite not aligning with city policies. One example is an 18-storey apartment building proposed for Mount Pleasant, intruding on a protected view from Queen Elizabeth Park. This shift is relatively new, with developers facing challenges due to rapidly changing market conditions and outdated policies. City council now considers non-compliant proposals, prioritizing aspects like rental housing shortages. Some projects gain staff support despite not meeting policy, while others proceed against staff advice, like the redevelopment of Army & Navy’s Cordova Street property.

City staff aim to balance development with policy adherence, acknowledging the evolving landscape but emphasizing public interest. Casey Peters, Vancouver’s acting director of rezoning, believes in balancing non-compliant proposals with existing plans. Overall, the challenge lies in adapting policies to current needs while upholding public interest amid rapid change.