The Strathcona Local Area Planning Initiatives (1992) resulted in the revision of RT-3 zoning and guidelines. A related Strathcona Social Action Plan (1992) made recommendations on social issues such as child care, poverty, employment, multiculturalism and safety. The Industrial Lands Policies (1995) included the retention of the False Creek Flats for city-serving industry, transport and service uses. A new industrial zone, I-2, is more up-to-date and provides for a better relationship with the surrounding community. The subsequent False Creek Flats Preliminary Concept Plan (1996) provided more detail on the future, and was followed by adoption of I-3 high-tech zoning on the western third of the Flats and along Great Northern Way. For more information about planning related to the commercial Chinatown area, please refer to the Downtown community profile.

The Downtown Eastside is one of Vancouver's oldest neighbourhoods and the historic heart of the city. It is a community rich in history, architecture, and diverse groups of people. 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.

An extensive planning and community development program named the Downtown Eastside Revitalization Program has been underway since 1998. The Downtown Eastside Revitalization Program is a multi-faceted approach to restoring the area to a healthy, safe and liveable neighbourhood for all. Efforts are focused on developing and implementing long-term approaches to community health, community safety, housing, and economic development. This program focuses on the local neighbourhoods of Gastown, Chinatown, Victory Square, Strathcona and Oppenheimer/Japantown.

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.

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. More information:
CityPlan & Community Visions Overview

Because False Creek Flats and Downtown Eastside have the ongoing planning mentioned above, the approach to Strathcona will need to be specially-tailored.

Zoning

To find out what zoning types are permitted in Strathcona 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