Shaughnessy Set for Change: Vancouver Council Votes to Densify Prestigious Neighborhood

In a landmark decision this week, Vancouver City Council voted in favor of a motion that could significantly change the landscape of one of the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods—Shaughnessy. The council’s unanimous decision will amend the First Shaughnessy Official Development Plan, paving the way for increased housing density in an area traditionally known for its expansive lots and heritage homes.

A New Era for Shaughnessy

Shaughnessy, particularly its older segment known as First Shaughnessy, has long been a bastion of historic charm and exclusivity. As part of the city’s heritage conservation area under the Vancouver Charter, development in this neighborhood has been tightly controlled to preserve its unique character. However, the council’s recent decision marks a shift towards accommodating the growing need for housing in Vancouver.

The vote, which took place after an extended public hearing, reflects a broader push to introduce more housing options in the city’s upscale neighborhoods. With the amendments to the development plan, it will now be possible to develop multiple housing units on single lots within First Shaughnessy. Despite this change, the neighborhood will still undergo a rigorous review process for any new development applications, ensuring that the area’s character is maintained.

What This Means for Shaughnessy

Templar Tsang-Trinaistich, the director of Vancouver’s Rezoning Centre, clarified during the public hearing that while the door is open for more dense development, the impact may be gradual. The city currently processes about four development applications annually in Shaughnessy, and Tsang-Trinaistich predicts this number might see only a slight increase, with one or two multiplexes potentially being developed each year.

The council’s decision also comes at a time of demographic shifts within the neighborhood. While Shaughnessy’s population had been on the decline for two decades, recent trends show a resurgence, with a five percent increase in population between 2016 and 2021. The neighborhood's occupancy rate is currently around 90 percent, indicating a strong demand for housing.

Balancing Heritage and Progress

The move to densify Shaughnessy is part of a larger conversation about how Vancouver can balance the need for more housing with the desire to preserve its historical neighborhoods. While the introduction of multiplexes may signal a shift, the city’s commitment to a thorough review process for each application aims to ensure that Shaughnessy’s heritage is respected.

As Vancouver continues to grow, decisions like this one in Shaughnessy could set a precedent for how other heritage neighborhoods evolve. It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the community, but one thing is clear: Shaughnessy is entering a new chapter in its storied history.