Broadway-Commercial Safeway Redevelopment Gets Even Bigger
The long-running redevelopment saga of the Broadway-Commercial Safeway site in Vancouver has taken another turn, with developers Westbank and Crombie REIT submitting yet another revised proposal that pushes the project’s height and density even further.
According to the latest submission, the plan now includes three towers of 36, 37, and 43 storeys, up from the previous 35-, 36-, and 39-storey proposal. The number of residential units has increased to 1,044, consisting of 940 market rentals and 104 below-market rentals, with an overall density of 8.27 FSR. That’s a significant jump from the original 2019 proposal, which featured shorter towers and only 680 units.
The project will still include a new and expanded Safeway, retail spaces, a public plaza, and a 37-space childcare facility that will be transferred to the City. However, one planned office level in the tallest tower has now been converted into additional residential space.
Pushing the Limits
One of the key issues surrounding this proposal is its location. While the site sits along the busy Broadway corridor, it falls under the Grandview-Woodland Community Plan (GWCP), which only allows towers up to 24 storeys and an FSR of 5.70. Each version of this proposal has exceeded those limits, leading to pushback from both city officials and community groups.
The developers argue that the project’s density is justified given the high traffic at Commercial-Broadway Station, which serves more commuters than any other SkyTrain hub in western Canada. They also point out that nearby sites within the Broadway Plan area, just a few blocks away, allow for even taller towers and higher density.
"When compared to the provisions of the GWCP and the residential density proposed within the current re-zoning submission for the site, it is clear that an increase in residential density at the site is justified and logical," the developers stated in their application.
Community Pushback
Despite these arguments, opposition to the project remains strong. The group "No Safeway Megatowers" has been vocal in its criticism, citing concerns over excessive height, lack of affordable housing, and deviation from the established community plan.
The City has acknowledged that the proposal exceeds current policies but has yet to make a decision on how to proceed. A public Q&A period is scheduled from June 19 to July 2, with an in-person information session happening on June 25 at the Italian Cultural Centre.
What’s Next?
Given the multiple revisions and ongoing debate, it's unclear whether this latest version will be the final one or if more changes are in store. But with Vancouver's housing crunch and increasing demand for transit-oriented developments, the pressure is on the City to strike a balance between growth and community concerns.
For now, all eyes will be on the upcoming public consultations to see how residents and city officials respond to the latest iteration of this ever-evolving project.