Study Area

The Historic Area

The Historic Area is the birthplace of our city. Early Vancouver and British Columbia history can be uncovered through its many heritage buildings, development patterns, and community histories. The physical heritage resources contribute to the area’s distinct built form and rich character, and are community assets valued by many people. The area is also part of the larger Downtown Eastside (DTES) neighbourhood, an important low-income community that is home to many residents, community-based organizations, businesses and services.

Physical Characteristics

The following are the key physical characteristics of the Historic Area.

Building Form: Predominantly rectilinear in shape, the Historic Area’s building form reflects the economic, social, and architectural character of early Vancouver, with most buildings constructed between 1886 and 1920. Older buildings have fine-grained detailing and ornamentation, and use rich building materials. Ground floor uses are primarily pedestrian oriented, with a variety of uses on upper floors.

Height: A variation of predominantly low to mid-rise (2 to 7-storey) buildings creating a “sawtooth” streetwall pattern, with a limited number of taller buildings.

Density: The average density for the area is 3.4 floor space ratio (FSR)

Lot Size: Most building lots are 25-33 feet wide by 120 feet deep, with some lots as wide as 75-100 feet.

Streets: Two major corridors, Main Street and Hastings Street, connect the Historic Area to the rest of Vancouver. There are two noticeable shifts in the east-west street grid at Columbia Street and Cambie Street.

Open Spaces: Public spaces in the area have a very urban character and are used by residents and for community celebrations. There are no large open spaces within the Historic Area boundaries, however, two large parks are nearby (Andy Livingstone Park and Oppenheimer Park).

Views and Natural Features: Burrard Inlet and the Port are to the north; modern high-rise development is to the south and west.

Current Zoning

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Heritage and Housing

The Historic Area contains the highest concentration of heritage buildings and low-income housing units in the city. These types of buildings are protected as important resources for the city through the Vancouver Heritage Register and the Single Room Accommodation (SRA) By-law.

Any redevelopment of heritage and SRA buildings is subject to special review and conditions, to ensure that established objectives are met. In addition, Gastown (HA-2) and Chinatown (HA-1) are municipally designated historic areas, and have specific guidelines that apply to all development.

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Sub-Areas

The Historic Area is made up of five distinct neighbourhoods or sub-areas. Each sub-area has unique zoning and development regulations for height and density, as outlined in the City’s Zoning and Development By-law. As a result, each sub-area has a distinct neighbourhood scale and character, as summarized below.

Victory Square
Zone: Downtown District (DD) Sub-area C2
Maximum building height is 70’ (with 100’ allowed for social housing projects); Maximum density is 5.0 FSR. Many heritage buildings mixed with non-heritage buildings. In addition to zoning, Victory Square Guidelines and Victory Square Policy Plan (2005) guide development.

Gastown
Zone: HA-2
Maximum building height is 75’; no maximum density. Many heritage buildings, with a number of them undergoing rehabilitation in recent years. Municipally designated heritage area, and nominated as National Historic Site of Canada in April 2007. In addition to zoning, Gastown HA-2 Design Guidelines guide development.

Hastings & Main
Zone: Downtown Eastside Oppenheimer District (DEOD) Sub-area 1
Maximum building height is 98’; maximum density is 1 FSR or up to 5 FSR with 20% social housing. Mix of heritage and non-heritage buildings. In addition to zoning, DEOD Design Guidelines guide development.

Chinatown
Zone: HA-1
Maximum building height is 50’ (with 65’ allowed under certain conditions); no maximum density. Many heritage buildings, with a large number owned by non-profit benevolent societies and family associations. Municipally designated heritage area, and nominated as National Historic Site of Canada in March 2009. In addition to zoning, Chinatown HA-1 Guidelines guide development.

Chinatown South
Zone: HA-1A
Maximum building height is 70’ (with 90’ allowed under certain conditions); no maximum density. Mix of heritage and non-heritage buildings. In addition to zoning, Chinatown HA-1A Guidelines guide development.

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