Hello members of the Gastown Residents Association,
As you may be aware, the Cohen Family and Bosa Properties have applied to redevelop the former Army & Navy building. The application proposes to retain the heritage façade along West Cordova Street, and includes secured rental housing, below-market rental housing, retail space, a boutique hotel, and revitalization of the lane. The proposal consists of two buildings ranging from 20 storeys on W Cordova to 39 storeys fronting W Hastings.
The project team has met with the Gastown Residents Association at a monthly meeting in April 2025 and reconnected in January 2026. We are supportive of this application and will be attending the Council meeting on February 10. We hope to see you there as well.
For more details about the proposal and recent media coverage, you can watch the segment on Global News, which includes comments from GRA President Brian Davie highlighting the importance of thoughtful redevelopment in Gastown and the opportunity this project represents for adding much-needed housing while respecting the neighbourhood’s historic character.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
This project is approaching its Public Hearing, scheduled for the evening of February 10, 2026. This is the final opportunity for public input before City Council votes on whether the project is approved. Local voices matter, and without participation from residents like us, this project may not move forward.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
There are two ways to provide input to City Council. You can speak directly to Council (preferred) by phone or in person on the night of the Public Hearing, or you can submit written comments in advance. Details on how to participate are outlined below.
SPEAK TO COUNCIL
The Cohen Block team is working with a community relations consultant who is available to support anyone interested in speaking. They can help make the process simple and straightforward. If you are willing to phone in and briefly (1-2 mins only) speak to Council, please contact Heather at heather@pottingerbird.com or sign up here https://vancouver.ca/your-government/request-to-speak-at-a-public-hearing-form-3.aspx and choose Item 4. CD-1 Rezonings: (i) 15-27 West Hastings Street and (ii) 8-36 West Cordova Street.
SEND IN YOUR COMMENTS
To submit written correspondence, please follow these steps:
- Go to: https://vancouver.ca/your-government/contact-council-public-hearing.aspx
- Under Subject, select: CD-1 Rezonings: (i) 15–27 West Hastings Street and (ii) 8–36 West Cordova Street
- Choose your position: support, oppose, or other
- Enter your comments
- Enter your contact details
- Click “Next”
- Review your submission and click “Submit”
Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective and participate in this important process.