Downtown Eastside Plan

Phase 4: Plan implementation and monitoring (spring 2014 to present)
Council approved 2024 DTES Matching Grant Program

June 26, 2024: Council approved $649,700 in matching grants to 17 Downtown Eastside (DTES) non-profit organisations to strategically advance the social, economic, and environmental objectives of the DTES Plan.
- Read the Council report (289 KB)
- Read the Council agenda and minutes
Council approved 2023 DTES Matching Grant Program

June 28, 2023: Council approved $932,400 in matching grants to 23 DTES non-profit organizations to strategically advance the social, economic, and environmental objectives of the DTES Plan.
- Read the Council report (207 KB)
- Read the Council agenda and minutes (472 KB)
Amendments to the Zoning and Development By-law

April 2023: City Council approved minor regulatory and policy amendments to the DTES Plan to reflect previous updates made to the Downtown-Eastside/Oppenheimer Official Development Plan By-law and FC-1 district schedule to increase the floor space ratio and height for social housing developments.
Apply for a DTES Matching Grant

March 2023: The program provides matching funds for community-based projects that help achieve the objectives of the DTES Plan. Supported projects will:
- Achieve the Social Impact Objectives on page 11 of the DTES Plan (25 MB)
- Implement the Quick Start Actions in Chapter 18 of the DTES Plan (25 MB)
- Place an emphasis on the community
- Benefit DTES residents, particularly those with structural barriers
Each proposed project is evaluated for its impact on residents who face structural barriers.

Read the guidelines (300 KB)

Learn more about Capital Project Grants

We are no longer accepting applications.

Amendments to the Zoning and Development By-law

May 2022: City Council approved amendments to the FC-1 (East False Creek) District and Downtown-Eastside/Oppenheimer District Official Development Plan (DEOD ODP), as well as consequential amendments to the DTES Rezoning Policy and DEOD.

The amendments respond to key community and Council priorities of increasing social and supportive housing in the DTES. The changes streamline the development process for projects that deliver 100% social housing by increasing height and density under zoning.
Apply for a DTES Matching Grant

March 2022 - We provide matching funds for community-based projects that help achieve the objectives of the DTES Plan. Supported projects:
- Achieve the Social Impact Objectives (25 MB) (pages 11 to 12)
- Implement the Quick Start Actions (26 MB) (chapter 18)
- Place an emphasis on the community
- Benefit DTES residents, particularly those who face structural barriers
Each proposed project is evaluated for its impact on residents who face structural barriers.

Read the guidelines (317 KB)

Learn more about Capital Project Grants

We are no longer accepting applications.

DTES community hubs

October 2021 - Between May and July, we gathered feedback from five social service organizations and DTES residents on the initial five parklets identified as community hub pilot sites. The feedback collected will help to inform the design and implementation of upgrades. We want to thank our community partners: Kilala Lelum, Evelyne Saller, PHS Outpatient Clinic, Union Gospel Mission, and Aboriginal Front Door.

Read the engagement report (2.8 MB)

Grant allocations report

October 2021 - Council approved Social Enterprise Program (SEP) $350,000 in grant allocations to help preserve and strengthen the cultural diversity, long-term viability, and economic opportunity of heritage businesses, social enterprises, and non-profit organizations in Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside.
- View the full report (307 KB)
- Learn more about the Special Enterprise Program
DTES policy updates to increase social housing

September 2021 – Under the Housing Vancouver Strategy: Three-year Action Plan (2017), modest increases in density and height to facilitate the delivery of more social housing were allowed in recently approved community plans.

During the month of September, you shared your views on the proposed updates to DTES rezoning and zoning policy in the DEOD OPD and FC-1 areas.

Read the full public engagement summary (462 KB)

Special Enterprise Program (SEP) pilot approved by Council

January 2021 - The purpose of this pilot is to urgently address the issues of commercial vacancies, affordability, upgrade needs, capacity building, attraction, and retention of heritage and community-serving businesses, non-profits and social enterprises with a special focus in Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside.

Council approved an initial $500,000 as seed capital to continue supporting the community-serving retail project in Chinese Society Buildings, provide capacity building to heritage and community-serving businesses, and assist potential non-profit and/or social enterprise tenants gain access to vacant or underutilized spaces. This pilot will be implemented in partnership between Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability and Arts, Culture, and Community Services.

View the documents:
Apply for a DTES Matching Grant

March 2021 - We provide matching funds for projects that meet the criteria as outlined in the DTES Plan. Supported projects will:
- Achieve the Social Impact Objectives on page 11 (20 MB)
- Implement the Quick Start Actions in chapter 18 (26 MB)
- Place an emphasis on the community
- Benefit DTES residents
Each proposed project is evaluated for its impact on residents who face structural barriers.

Read the guidelines (178 KB)

Learn more about Capital Project Grants

We are no longer accepting applications.

Summary on the implementation of the DTES Plan

October 2020 – We're pleased to share the three-year Summary on the implementation of the DTES Plan (2017-2019), which covers in-depth information on plan implementation achievements, as well as a detailed summary of what we heard from the community. The summary includes:
- Overview of background and context
- Public consultation
- Monitoring and evaluation
- City-wide initiatives
- Implementation highlights
- Emerging three-year priorities and funding
The appendices include:
- Summaries of City of Vancouver and Parks Board initiatives
- Engagement with community groups on various components of the DTES Plan
- Overview of DTES Capital Grants
View the full summary
(7 MB)

Council has also received the Memorandum of the DTES implementation (2017-2019) (326 KB).

DTES Retail Continuity Policy review

September 2020 - Retail continuity policies support active and vibrant pedestrian-focused streets by maintaining and reinforcing continuous retail and other similar activities of ground floor storefronts. Within the DTES, retail continuity policies apply in the Victory Square and Downtown Eastside Oppenheimer District.

The DTES Plan requires a review of retail continuity policies with the goal of increasing pedestrian activity, commercial and service uses, and general vitality to Hastings, Main, and Powell streets as well as removing barriers to new enterprises, development, and creativity (policies 6.5.9 and 10.3.1).

Conditions in the DTES have changed considerably since the retail continuity policies were first introduced in 1982 including social health challenges, high vacancies, reduced retail interest, and increased need for community-serving uses. As part of the Employment Lands and Economy Review, staff is proposing a quick start action to update and improve retail continuity policies to:
- Allow more flexibility in uses for storefront spaces
- Lower barriers to community-serving organizations seeking space in the neighbourhood
- Help fill vacant ground floor stores
Find out more about the proposed changes (228 KB)

Learn more about the Employment Lands and Economy Review

The proposed changes will go before Council to be referred to Public Hearing on a date to be determined. To learn more, contact us at [email protected]

Business Improvement Association Breakfast

January 2020 – In partnership with 4 DTES Business Improvement Associations, we hosted the BIA Breakfast event at the Vancouver Public Library, which invited property owners, businesses, and non-profit organizations to discuss how the DTES Plan helps support the local economy and strategies to revitalize the neighbourhood in the next five years.

View the full BIA Breakfast consultation summary (354 KB)

Apply for a matching grant for your DTES community project

March 31, 2020 - We will provide matching funds for projects that meet the criteria as outlined in the DTES Plan. Supported projects will:
- Achieve the Social Impact Objectives on page 11 (20 MB)
- Implement the Quick Start Actions in chapter 18 (20 MB)
- Place an emphasis on the community
- Benefit DTES residents
Each proposed project will also be evaluated for its impact on residents who face structural barriers.

Read the guidelines (300 KB)

Learn more about Capital Project Grants

We are no longer accepting applications.

DTES Plan: Community fair

September 2019 - The DTES Plan Community Fair was held at the Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall on June 20, 2019.

A questionnaire was distributed during and after the fair that asked for feedback on the plan implementation to date, funding priorities for the next five years, and how they can be achieved to help inform future grants, initiatives, and projects. The consultation summary summarizes the findings of the questionnaire and feedback, and will be shared with City Council as part of the next DTES Plan progress update in 2020.

Watch a highlight video of our event

View the consultation summary (1.8 MB)

July 2019 – Approved in 2014, the DTES Plan is a 30-year vision for the neighbourhood that strives to maintain the uniqueness of the DTES while revitalizing the area without displacing residents.

We're now sharing a progress update on the plan's implementation, and seeking public feedback on plan priorities for the next five years, and how they can be achieved.

Your feedback will help inform future grants, initiatives, and projects, and be shared with Council as part of the next DTES Plan progress update in 2020.
- View the DTES Plan implementation - housing and homelessness presentation (4 MB)
- View the information boards (10 MB)
Blood Alley Square redesign project

Tree management update

In direct response to feedback received, the tree management plan for Blood Alley Square which initially retained 4 existing trees has been updated to retain the existing significant tree located at the northern edge of the square. Additionally, we have developed a tree succession plan that incorporates the planting of two large size specimen trees that will replace existing trees that are to be removed due to their poor health. This will ensure that the tree canopy is restored and enhanced.

What’s next?

Next steps will include commencement of unhealthy tree removals summer of 2019 in coordination with the adjacent development, design refinement based on feedback received at the May 15 open house, engagement with local stakeholders to develop community partnerships for stewardship of Blood Alley Square, and coordination of a final design open house in conjunction with the Gastown Complete Streets Project in early 2020.

Learn more about the Blood Alley Square Redesign Project

May 15, 2019 - An open house was held to present the proposed design concept for Blood Alley Square. We're developing an exciting and vibrant redesign to create an inclusive space that is open to people from all walks of life.

Thank you to everyone that attended or shared their thoughts on the detailed design presented during this past round of consultation from May 15 to June 16, 2019. Your feedback will be used to refine the proposed design where feasible, while taking into account technical and financial considerations.
- Open house boards (12 MB)
- Detailed design consultation summary (3.3 MB)
Apply for a matching grant for your DTES community project

March 5, 2018 - We will provide matching funds for projects that meet the criteria as outlined in the DTES Plan. Supported projects will:
- Achieve the Social Impact Objectives on page 11 (20 MB)
- Implement the Quick Start Actions in chapter 18 (20 MB)
- Place an emphasis on the community
- Benefit DTES residents
Each proposed project will also be evaluated for its impact on residents who face structural barriers.

We are no longer accepting applications.

Survey for legacy businesses in Chinatown

December 12, 2017 – We want your input as we continue to study what defines a legacy business in Chinatown.

The survey is now closed.

Tell us what you think about legacy businesses in Chinatown

November 21, 2017 – We are studying the importance of legacy businesses to Chinatown’s character. The community forum was held on December 8, 2017 to hear about the initial results from a consultant study.

Wrapping up the Chinese Society Buildings Matching Grants Program

October 17, 2017 – Over the last three years, we have been providing matching grants to fund critical repairs to buildings owned by Chinese Societies around the Downtown Eastside. The program helped fund repairs to buildings with low-income housing, cultural spaces, and heritage value.

This work now continues with the Chinese Society Legacy Program, which provides further support and capacity building to Chinese Societies.
- Read the Council Report (136 KB)
- Read the Council agenda and minutes (133 KB)
Hastings-Kiwassa Urban Design guidelines

September 23, 2017 – We held two open houses about proposed guidelines for the Hastings-Kiwassa area. Your feedback will help us develop urban design guidelines that will influence how new buildings along East Hastings Street and Kiwassa will look.

View the material from the open house

DTES Liquor Policy

June 14, 2017 - Council approved the following policy for the DTES. The policy provides guidance to the public, City staff and Council when considering applications for liquor primary licenses.
- Read the DTES Liquor Policy (285 KB)
For more information, read:
- Liquor Serving Policy website
- Liquor Store Guidelines (828 KB)
Read the three-year update on DTES Plan

April 11, 2017 - Staff presented Council with an update on the implementation of the DTES Plan. The report includes updated indicators and statistics for the DTES, and priorities moving forward.
Apply for a matching grant for your DTES community project

March 6, 2017 - We will provide matching funds for projects that meet the criteria as outlined in the DTES Plan. Supported projects will:
- Achieve the Social Impact Objectives on page 11 (20 MB)
- Implement the Quick Start Actions in Chapter 18 (20 MB)
- Place an emphasis on the community
- Benefit DTES residents
Each proposed project will also be evaluated for its impact on residents who face structural barriers.

We are no longer accepting applications.
- Download the DTES Capital Grants application form (870 KB)
- Download the program summary and application guidelines (175 KB)
February 25 neighbourhood event: Blood Alley Square

January 31, 2017 - A fun family event was held for people to learn more about the Blood Alley Square redesign project and to share ideas and suggestions about what events and activities they would like to see in the square.

Railtown I-4 (Historic Industrial) District referred to public hearing

December 13, 2016 - Council referred recommended zoning and development bylaw amendments to an upcoming public hearing in 2017. The proposed amendments are to add the creative products manufacturing use to the Zoning and Development Bylaw, and rezone a limited portion of the M-2 Industrial District as a new I-4 (Historic Industrial) District.
- Read the Council report (605 KB)
- Read the Council agenda and minutes (327 KB)
October 13 open house: Railtown industrial sub-area

October 7, 2016 - An open house was held for people to learn more and share their thoughts on the proposed I-4 light industrial zone for the Railtown industrial sub-area. The new I-4 zone is proposed through the DTES plan’s review of the role of Railtown (currently M-2 heavy industrial), and reinforces industrial uses, incentivizes the retention of historic industrial buildings, and allows for creative manufacturing.
- View the open house information displays (2 MB) and historical context report for the Railtown industrial area (3 MB)
Blood Alley Square and Trounce Alley Redesign questionnaire

July 18, 2016 - In June, we hosted two kick-off events inviting you to help us redesign Blood Alley Square and Trounce Alley. We heard from neighbourhood residents, businesses, and community groups on what matters to them, and launched an online questionnaire. Your feedback will to help shape the redesign by giving the consultant team a better understanding about what matters to you.
- Read the public consultation summary (780 KB)
$100,000 awarded to implement phase 1 of the Chinese Society Legacy Program

June 15, 2016 - Following an update on the overall program implementation plan and funding strategy for the Chinese Society Legacy Program, Council approved a grant of $100,000 to the Chinatown Society Heritage Buildings Association (CSHBA). In consultation with the CSHBA, these funds will be used as seed capital to implement phase 1 of the program. The goal of phase 1 is to have two to three buildings ready for rehabilitation in 2017 of the program. We will report back in one year to provide an update on the results of the fundraising drive, and may include a revised implementation plan and timeline.
DTES non-profit organisations awarded $556,600 in DTES Capital Grants

June 15, 2016 - Council approved $556,600 in matching grants to twenty-four Downtown Eastside (DTES) non-profit organisations to strategically advance the social, economic, and environmental objectives of the approved DTES Plan. The anticipated benefits from these capital grants include an improved training and hiring facility that has hired over a hundred DTES residents with barriers to employment; improved shelter for sixty residents; improved service centre where five hundred people access services every day; and up to an estimated seventy-five low-barrier jobs.
$496,000 awarded for 2016 Chinese Society Buildings Matching Grants

May 4, 2016 - Council approved $496,000 in the third round of matching grants to 10 Chinese family clan and benevolent societies: $140,000 to four first-time applicants, and $356,000 to six applicants that previously received matching grants in 2014 and 2015.

Three of the four first-time applicants provide a total of 19 affordable rental housing units with monthly rents ranging from $175 to $900. Half of the six return applicants provide a total of 49 affordable rental housing units with monthly rents ranging from $180 to $686.

The matching grants assist societies to make essential repairs to their buildings, protecting heritage and supporting the affordable and seniors housing provided by many societies in Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside. The grant program recognizes the importance of these buildings as vital cultural anchors, critical to preserving and fostering the unique Chinese identity and character of Chinatown, and the societies as key partners in Chinatown’s revitalization.
- View the Council meeting agenda and minutes (775 KB)
- Read the Council agenda and minutes (145 KB)
DTES non-profit organizations awarded $460,432 in DTES Capital Grants

July 8, 2015 - Council approved $460,000 in matching grants to 15 Downtown Eastside (DTES) non-profit organizations to strategically advance Community Economic Development (CED) objectives for the approved DTES Plan. The capital grants will help non-profits create jobs, grow their enterprises, and build CED capacity.

By working with non-profits, we strive to help improve the lives of low-income residents and revitalise the area without displacing vulnerable residents and valuable community assets.
- Read the Council report (339 KB)
- Read the Council agenda and minutes (113 KB)
Third round of Chinese Society Buildings Matching Grant approved

December 10, 2015 - Following an update on the progress of the first and second round of matching grants, Council approved $400,000 towards a third round, with priority consideration for eligible first-time applicants followed by societies that have previously received only one grant. Of the 30 matching grants approved in 2014 and 2015:
- 25 have been completed or are in progress, with building rehabilitation projects totaling close to $1.7 million in matching funds
- 3 were withdrawn by the applicant
- 2 applications are incomplete
Look for information on how to apply in spring 2016.
New building rehabilitation program: Chinese Society Legacy Program

December 10, 2015 - Council approved a new building rehabilitation program to protect and conserve the 12 society heritage buildings in Chinatown, and committed $3.6 million towards the total program budget of $36 million. These heritage buildings are over 100 years old and are in urgent need of rehabilitation. The program aims to upgrade these important heritage assets and create a lasting cultural legacy for generations to come.

The city manager will work with the Chinatown Society Heritage Buildings Association to explore strategic partnerships and funding opportunities with senior levels of government, philanthropic organizations, and community partners to secure the budget for the Chinese Society Legacy Program.

We will report back on the program funding strategy in March 2016.
Matching Grant Program to support Community Economic Development in the DTES

May 25, 2015 - This grant program will provide matching grants for projects that help implement Quick Starts Actions in the Council approved DTES Plan (7 MB) to support the local economy (Chapter 10) with an emphasis on the community. Applications will be evaluated to see how the proposed projects achieve benefits for the residents of the DTES through Community Economic Development in particular job creation, and supporting existing and new social enterprises.

We are no longer accepting applications.
- Download the DTES Community Economic Development Grants application form (203 KB)
- Download the program summary and application guidelines (346 KB)
Strategic support for the Chinatown society heritage buildings

January 2015 – In response to Council direction on July 9, 2014, we are seeking a consultant team to undertake a study to develop strategic support for rehabilitating the heritage society buildings, to compliment the Chinese Society Buildings Matching Grant Program. The consultant team will conduct technical studies of the society heritage buildings in Chinatown, and prepare a business case and partner-development package for the buildings' rehabilitation. The study will be done in collaboration with the Chinatown Society Heritage Building Association under the direction of the chief housing officer.

Nearly $2 million awarded in DTES Capital Grants and Chinese Society Buildings Matching Grants

December 17, 2014 – Council approved $955,000 in DTES capital grants for 40 non-profit DTES organisations to strategically advance the DTES Plan's social, economic, and environmental objectives. The grants program provides funding based on Council priorities to help the local community – vulnerable residents, in particular – to achieve better opportunities and quality of life.
Council also approved $1.16 million in matching grants to 17 Chinese family clan and benevolent societies for critical capital upgrades to society-owned buildings in Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside. Of the 17 applications received, 10 societies provide 407 affordable rental housing units with monthly rents from $175 to $670. These grants support and strengthen the societies, which continue to play a vital role in protecting affordable housing and preserving Chinatown's unique character, cultural identity, and heritage.
Chinese Society Buildings Matching Grant Program now accepting applications

October 3, 2014 – Applications were accepted for the Chinese Society Buildings Matching Grant Program in October 2014 and January 2015. Societies were able to apply for a new grant each intake if the proposed project is for a new, distinct scope of work.

We are no longer accepting applications.

Chinese Society Buildings Matching Grant Program
– a DTES Plan Quick Start to support community heritage initiatives

July 9, 2014 – A new grant program and strategic support for critical upgrades to preserve and protect buildings owned by Chinese Family Clan and Benevolent Societies has been approved by Vancouver City Council.

The grant program will provide matching grants for capital maintenance and upgrades to buildings owned by the societies. Heritage buildings and those with affordable and social housing units will get priority consideration. A consultant study will also be completed in partnership with the Chinatown Society Heritage Building Association.

Further information on how to apply will be available in the fall.
Updating the Vancouver Heritage Register
– a DTES Plan Quick Start to support broader heritage values in the community

June 11, 2014 – The City's Heritage Action Plan is now underway, which includes updating the Vancouver Heritage Register. The Vancouver Heritage Register is the cornerstone of the City's heritage program. It provides a complete inventory of sites in Vancouver that have historical, cultural, aesthetic, scientific, or educational worth.

We are updating the Vancouver Heritage Register to reflect sites with broader heritage values, including:
- Social movements
- Significant street events
- Traditions
- Public places
- Historic areas, such as Paueru Gai (Powell Street)
Researching how best to involve communities to monitor neighbourhood changes

Spring 2014 – In response to Council direction, we are researching best practices from other cities about how to directly involve residents and stakeholders with monitoring the pace and impact of neighbourhood change in the DTES.

Survey of business characteristics underway
– a DTES Plan Quick Start to retain local business

Spring 2014 – We are working with the Chinatown, Hastings Crossing, and Strathcona Business Improvement Associations on a joint neighbourhood survey of businesses.

This survey will help further our understanding of the characteristics of DTES businesses and help to identify opportunities, including:
- Linkages and opportunities for partnership
- Local procurement
- Business-to-business networking
Ongoing engagement with local businesses is key to many of the local economy actions in the DTES Plan, and is important to shape and support the economic health and future of our communities.

Creating a Community Economic Development Strategy

Spring 2014 – We are developing a Community Economic Development Strategy to complement the Local Economy chapter of the DTES Plan, at the request of City Council. This spring, we held a series of six strategic sessions with Simon Fraser University and Hastings Crossing Business Improvement Association to explore the various components and approaches of community economic development strategies.

This learning opportunity provided a strong foundation and good direction for the strategy going forward. This summer, we will begin targeted outreach with a range of stakeholders and the broader public to ensure everyone has the opportunity to be involved and share their input.

Supporting a permanent home for the DTES Street Market
– a DTES Plan Quick Start to encourage inclusive local employment

Spring 2014 – We have begun work on finding a more permanent location for the DTES Street Market on Carrall Street for safer survival vending. As well, we are looking at how to support opportunities for selling locally-produced arts and crafts.

Improving public spaces in the DTES

Early spring 2014 – We are exploring various public realm improvements, such as new benches, bicycle parking, and neighbourhood bulletin boards, in collaboration with the business improvement associations and resident groups. Street amenities contribute to vibrant, attractive streets and public spaces in the DTES, and encourage walking, cycling, and social connectedness.
Phase 3: Feedback and approval (fall 2013 – winter 2014)
DTES Plan approved by Council

March 18, 2014 – The DTES Plan, Rezoning Policy, and Micro Dwelling Unit Policies and Guidelines were approved by Council on March 15, 2014.

The next major step is for Council to consider the recommended zoning and bylaw changes and other amendments at an upcoming public hearing. The proposed amendments are to the Downtown Official Development Plan, Downtown Eastside Oppenheimer Official Development Plan, Single Room Accommodation Bylaw, and Zoning and Development Bylaw. Planning for the DTES will continue with the implementation of the actions noted in the Plan.
Plan includes Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Hotel Strategy to improve tenant conditions

Improving conditions for SRO tenants is a key housing goal of the DTES Plan. The Chief Housing Officer now has the ability to approve Single Room Accommodation Bylaw permits for upgrades to non-market SROs. These upgrades can be further supported through $5,000-per-door grants to non-profit operators.

Staff are also in the process of developing the call for proposals for the $40,000 grant to a non-profit with expertise in mediating landlord/tenant conflict and assisting through the Residential Tenancy Branch arbitration process. It is anticipated that the call for proposals will go out in late summer with a recommendation to Council on the successful applicant in early fall.

DTES Social Impact Assessment (SIA)

February 26, 2014 – With help from the SIA Reference Group, the Social Impact Assessment was prepared as part of the DTES Plan process to examine how future developments and land use changes could affect the low-income community in the area. The SIA identifies impacts before any development is implemented to help maximize the positive effects on a community while minimizing the negative.
- Download the Social Impact Assessment (10 MB)
DTES Plan expected to go to City Council March 12

February 11, 2014 – Thanks to all who came out to see us at one of our learning sessions in January.
- View the presentation from the learning sessions (3.9 MB)
The DTES Plan is expected to go to City Council on March 12.

Learning sessions held on the draft plan

January 24, 2014 – Six learning sessions were held from January 30 to February 8 for attendees to find out more about the plan, ask questions, and share their thoughts.

City releases draft plan

December 17, 2013 – We have completed the draft DTES Plan that will guide change and development in the area over the next 30 years. We will seek your input on the draft plan in January 2014 before we present it to Council in the spring.
Phase 2: Planning (spring 2013 – fall 2013)
Council approves additional time for the DTES Plan Process

September 27, 2013 – On September 25, 26, and 27, Council met to discuss the "Community Plans: Next Steps" report.
- View the presentation (3.7 MB)
- Read the Council agenda and minutes (182 KB)
Summarizing the components related to the DTES, Council approved the following next steps:
- Consider the draft DTES Plan by January 31, 2014
- Refer plan-related zoning and bylaw changes to a public hearing in early 2014
- Extend the DTES Plan Process Interim Rezoning Policy and Development Management Guidelines until adopting the plan and enacting related zoning and bylaw changes
Staff to update Council on next steps for community plans

September 17, 2013 – Staff published the report "Community Plans: Next Steps" about the process and next steps for community planning work in Downtown Eastside, Grandview-Woodland, Marpole, and West End. Council will discuss this report on Wednesday, September 25 at 9:30am, at the City Finance and Services Committee meeting.
- Read the Council report (1.5 MB)
- Read the Council agenda and minutes (182 KB)
Thank you for commenting on the emerging directions

August 19, 2013 – The questionnaire on the DTES Plan emerging directions is now closed. Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback. The comments collected will be used to make further refinements to the DTES Plan.

Council directs staff to review community plan schedule

August 1, 2013 – On Tuesday, July 23 Council directed staff to review the schedule for the four Community Plan processes currently underway.
- Read the Council agenda and minutes (117 KB)
Staff will look at progress to date and feedback gathered through the consultation process so far, in order to identify options for possible additional steps and a revised timeline and budget for each of the four plans. Staff will present a report and recommendations to Council on this matter in late September.

Mini information sessions hosted on emerging directions

July 26, 2013 – Following the recent open houses, 4 additional small events were held for attendees to chat with staff about the emerging directions for the DTES.

Open houses were held on July 18 and 20 on emerging directions

July 8, 2013 – Emerging directions have been developed with input from the DTES Plan Committee, as well as from residents, businesses, and stakeholders. Two open houses were held for residents to learn more about the emerging directions and to provide their feedback.

An online questionnaire was also available.

What do you think about the DTES draft emerging directions?

June 13, 2013 – Two open houses were held to share the draft emerging directions, which were developed based on the issues, concerns, and ideas identified by the community through recent meetings, open houses, workshops, and round table discussions. The open houses showcased a variety of proposed community-wide policies and neighbourhood-level directions and gave the community an opportunity to ask questions and provide further input. Feedback shared helped refine the draft directions toward a draft of the DTES Plan.

Meetings and open houses

May 6, 2013 – Since the “What Are We Hearing” event in September 2012, we have been out in the community listening to what you have had to say on a range of topics that affect your neighbourhood at two open houses in November 2012, and in May 2013. We have also had meetings with residents groups, and DTES Business Improvement Associations.
- Information boards for Pigeon Park Savings Open House (May 2013) (2.5 MB)
Round tables and workshops

April 30, 2013 – After the September 2012 “What Are We Hearing” event, two series of round tables were held to discuss the four key themes: Our Wellbeing, Our Livelihoods, Our Homes, and Our Places. These round tables involved the DTES Plan committee members, and key stakeholders and agencies.
- Presentation: "What Are We Hearing?" (699 KB)
The purpose of the first series of roundtables were to review and discuss key issues, and with input from the stakeholders/agencies, draft principles and possible actions.

The second series of roundtables involves the integration of common issues between the four themes, followed by the drafting of possible actions and directions.
Phase 1: Reviewing (winter 2011 - fall 2012)
"What are we hearing?" workshop

September 28, 2012 – A workshop was held to give an update on the feedback we’ve heard from the DTES community and progress on developing the Plan so far, including achievements and draft outputs. This workshop also provided an opportunity for attendees to share their ideas and thoughts to help create a vision for the DTES.

Workshop on working together

April 28, 2012 – City staff worked with area plan stakeholders and partners to establish how all members of the planning process would work together, and to get going on planning to build a stronger community.
- Read the notes from the workshop
Council approves Interim Rezoning Policy

March 28, 2012 – There are a number of development concerns in the DTES affecting low-income residents such as the rapid rate of market residential development, higher rents displacing residents from their homes, and the transformation of the retail environment leading to socio-economic hardship.

The interim rezoning policy was adopted to avoid making the situation worse during the planning process.

Presentation to Council

March 27, 2012 – The DTES Plan framework, Interim Rezoning Policy, and Development Management guidelines were presented to Council
City Council instructs staff to start work on a DTES Plan process

January 20, 2011 – Vancouver City Council established a committee to enhance and accelerate the creation of a local area plan for the Downtown Eastside.

The Downtown Eastside Plan was developed in four phases.

Reviewing: We identified what the key issues were and what assets we had to work with.
Planning: We developed planning strategies and corresponding action plans. We also identified what would be accomplished, how, and when.
Feedback and approval: We got feedback from City Council and the public, and after incorporating all of the feedback, we presented the plan to Council for final approval.
Monitoring and evaluation: We will measure our results to determine whether we've made a difference and achieved our goals, and assess what's left to do.

View a detailed timeline of the planning process

Previous planning efforts in the Downtown Eastside have served to revitalize the area.

In April 2005, City Council approved the Carrall Street Greenway that now connects Gastown, the Downtown Eastside, and Chinatown. The greenway facilitates economic revitalization and community development in the Downtown Eastside.

On September 22, 2005, the Housing Plan for the Downtown Eastside was adopted by Council. The plan presents a vision for the future of housing in Chinatown, the Downtown Eastside Oppenheimer District, Gastown, the Hastings Corridor, the Industrial Lands, Strathcona, Thornton Park, and Victory Square. It addressed specific housing types: SROs, social housing, market housing, supportive housing, and special needs residential facilities.

From 2008 to 2011, $10 million was given to the Downtown Eastside to celebrate its heritage, culture, and history as part of the Great Beginnings: Old Streets, New Pride initiative.

The Downtown Eastside Plan was approved by City Council in 2014. Since then, implementation and monitoring has been taking place with updates to Council every three years.

Downtown Eastside Plan

Did you know?

What's happeningCouncil approved 2024 DTES Matching Grant Program

DTES Rezoning Policy

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