The Neighbourhood Improvement Program (NIP) in the 1970s used Federal funds to improve Oppenheimer Park and major streets, to build a health centre/housing project, and the Carnegie Centre. After a community planning program, the Downtown Eastside Official Development Plan (DEOD) was adopted in 1981 as new zoning for the area. Over the1970s and1980s, significant Federal, Provincial and City resources were put into upgrading hotels and rooming houses, and building new non-market housing.

Since 1998 an extensive planning and community development program named the Downtown Eastside Revitalization Program has been underway in this community, as well as the adjacent neighbourhoods of Gastown, Chinatown, Victory Square, Strathcona, and Oppenheimer. Issues being addressed include health and safety around drug and alcohol usage; economic development; and housing.

An overview of the neighbourhoods within the Downtown Eastside community: Chinatown; Gastown; Victory Square; Strathcona; Oppenheimer.

In 1995, Vancouver City Council approved CityPlan: Directions for Vancouver. CityPlan is a citywide plan that will guide City decisions on programs, priorities and actions through 2021. CityPlan provides general directions for a range of topics and issues in which the City is involved including neighbourhood centres, housing variety and affordability, neighbourhood character, services, safety, arts and culture, public places, economy and jobs, transportation, environment, downtown development, financial accountability, and decision making.
[CityPlan]

The Community Visions Program is a component of CityPlan that provides each community with an opportunity to look into its future, determine its needs and aspirations, and set a course that is consistent with CityPlan. Community visioning is being implemented in areas where there has been little or no previous community planning.

The Community Vision Program is not suitable for areas like Downtown Eastside that have already had extensive community planning. City staff anticipate using a "re-visioning" process to review older community plans in the light of CityPlan, and community changes. Because Downtown Eastside has ongoing planning, the approach here will need to be specially-tailored.

Zoning

To find out what zoning types are permitted in the Downtown Eastside check the Detailed Map (VanMap) and select 'Zoning Districts' to turn on the zoning information layer. For assistance viewing items, or to find what other types of information can be obtained through our web-based map system, visit our VanMap homepage.

For information on zoning definitions and terms visit our Zoning and Development By-law webpage.

For more detailed information on what is permitted in various zones contact our Development Services Enquiry Centre.

Comments or questions? Send us e-mail at community@vancouver.ca