Press Release: Hospitality Workers File Petition in Court Over Flawed Public Hearings on Major Rezoning Decisions

Vancouver, BC – Four hospitality workers have filed a judicial review seeking to overturn two major City of Vancouver rezoning decisions after being denied a meaningful opportunity to participate in the public hearing process. The workers are members of UNITE HERE Local 40.

The petition challenges City Council’s approval of the citywide “Fast Track” rezoning plan affecting nearly 2,400 commercial properties and the proposed 888 Cambie Street development, a project that would include a 246-room hotel and market rentals.

The petition alleges that procedural failures during public hearings prevented registered speakers from being heard before Council made its decisions.

According to the petition, speakers encountered multiple barriers during the May public hearings, including last-minute agenda changes, missed notifications, confusion regarding speaker order, and failures in the City’s remote participation system. Some registered speakers remained connected throughout the hearing but were not given the opportunity to address Council.

The court challenge raises broader concerns about public participation in municipal decision-making, particularly as City Hall advances significant zoning changes and major development proposals.

“Hospitality workers are the backbone of Vancouver’s tourism industry,” said Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40. “Many of them came to Canada believing that if you work hard, follow the rules, and participate in your community, your voice matters. But when workers register to speak, wait for hours, and are not given the opportunity to be heard, the message they receive is that City Hall is listening to developers while ordinary people are left on mute.”

The petition asks the Court to quash the rezoning approvals and send them back to Council for reconsideration with a lawful public hearing process.

The petition was filed on June 4, 2026, in the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

CONTACT: Michelle Travis, [email protected]., 778-960-9785