Vancouver, BC – While hospitality workers and working families are feeling squeezed by the lack of affordability in Vancouver, City Council will consider proposals at its upcoming regular Council meeting and Public Hearing on June 2 that may continue a troubling trend: developers receive additional benefits, flexibility, and exemptions, while affordable housing and community benefits are negotiated downward.
Hidden Hotel Incentive Buried in Bill 16 Update
One of the Public Hearing items is presented as a technical update to comply with provincial Bill 16 requirements on density bonuses and inclusionary zoning. However, tucked inside the report is a significant new incentive for downtown hotel developers.
The proposal would allow hotel projects to receive up to 20% additional floor area for private commercial amenities such as hotel pools, fitness centres, business centres, conference facilities, meeting rooms, and other private spaces.
Last year, Council exempted many hotel amenity spaces from Community Amenity Benefit calculations. This latest proposal would allow hotels to build larger while providing less public benefit in return for local residents.
City Hall has provided no evidence that the incentive is necessary. Council has already approved projects with over 3,200 hotel rooms, with thousands more in the development pipeline. If approved, the measure could allow larger hotel developments without delivering affordable housing, childcare, community facilities, or other public benefits.
“This proposal is being slipped into what is supposed to be a technical Bill 16 compliance update related to zoning for affordable housing,” said Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40. “Instead, City Hall is considering yet another unnecessary incentive to hotel developers that shortchanges us on community benefits.”
UNITE HERE Local 40 is urging Council to reject the bonus incentive for hotel developers.
West Side Tower Proposal Falls Below Social Housing Requirements
Council will also consider a revised rezoning application for 1745 West 8th Avenue. The proposal increases the number of market strata units from 421 to 441 while reducing the number of social housing units from 107 to 98.
Despite seeking significant increases in height and density, the developer is proposing less social housing than City policy requires. The result is a social housing component that falls below the 20% minimum contemplated under the Broadway Plan’s inclusionary housing framework. If Vancouver is serious about affordability, Council should not waive its own affordable housing requirements.
UNITE HERE Local 40 is urging Council to send the application back to staff and require compliance with the full 20% social housing target.
Regular Council Meeting Raises Additional Concerns
Council’s Regular Council meeting earlier that day contains several additional items that continue the pattern of prioritizing developer interests over affordability and public accountability.
Among them:
1500–1580 West 3rd Avenue: the applicant proposes a 17-storey hotel on scarce industrial land despite city staff acknowledging conflicts with existing planning policies and surrounding development.
Expanded exemptions to the Empty Homes Tax: This would expand exemptions and provide another retroactive tax break for developers, even as the number of completed-but-unsold housing inventory climbed to 745 units.
Council will also consider 13 residential rezoning proposals, seven of which may result in tenant displacement from 158 existing rentals. Ten of the projects would not provide Community Amenity Contributions, despite the City’s ability to negotiate them.
Vancouver residents have heard promises that rapid approvals, increased density, and developer incentives will improve affordability. Yet working people are struggling with expensive housing and living costs while public benefits are increasingly negotiated away.
City Hall should be fighting for stronger affordability requirements, meaningful community benefits, protection for existing renters, and greater transparency, not creating new loopholes and incentives for developers to build unaffordable housing and luxury hotels.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2026-06-01 16:13:292026-06-01 16:13:29Press Release: City Hall set to Consider New Developer Giveaways Amid Affordability Crisis
Vancouver, BC — A delegation of union members and community allies delivered a stack of petitions to development giant Holborn Group this afternoon, sending a clear message that the project does not reflect the needs of Vancouver residents facing an affordability crisis.
More than 2,000 residents have signed the petition, opposed to the “supertall” tower project which could be quickly rushed through Council this July before the municipal election. The petition raises concern about the potential fast-tracking of this project, and notes Holborn’s history of displacing low-income residents at Little Mountain and neglect of Dunsmuir House, a former SRO.
A project of this magnitude should receive meaningful public scrutiny and debate; any Council vote on this project should take place after the election this fall.
“Too many workers and young people are struggling to pay rent and stay in the city,” said Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40. “Residents want a different vision for Vancouver. Holborn Group and City Hall need to listen and put residents’ needs first before moving forward on a project that will be unaffordable for most of us.”
Holburn seeks to rezone several development sites in downtown Vancouver to build a luxury megaproject at 501-595 W Georgia, 619 Richards, and 500 Dunsmuir, with 1,288 condo units, 920 hotel rooms, 273 rental units, and a vow to build social housing at another site. The project could displace over a dozen independent businesses, some of whom are long-term tenants.
The online version of the petition can be found here.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2026-05-28 15:38:262026-05-28 15:38:26Press Release: Union and Community Delegation Delivers 2,000 Signatures Opposing Holborn Luxury Development
Vancouver, BC – While Council considers a proposal to rollback requirements for below-market rentals today, hospitality workers and community advocates will be holding a protest this afternoon at City Hall calling on elected officials to stop prioritizing developer profits over housing affordability.
Without a public hearing or opportunity for public input at today’s meeting, Council may approve the second phase of its “fast-track” rental housing plan, allowing larger towers while weakening below-market rental requirements for most new six-storey rental buildings across the city. Council could also allow developers of several previously approved rental projects to walk back their commitments to provide 20% of units at below-market rents – letting developers drop affordability promises that were part of securing city approval.
The rally is part of a broader pushback against development decisions made by Council that fail to address Vancouver’s affordability crisis and increasingly put corporate interests ahead of community needs. The rally comes days after UNITE HERE Local 40 filed a challenge to the Council’s approval of a controversial floating hotel development in Coal Harbour.
WHO: Hospitality workers, members of UNITE HERE Local 40, housing advocates, and community supporters.
WHEN: Today – Tuesday, May 19 at 5PM
WHERE: Vancouver City Hall, 453 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC.
VISUALS: Workers and supporters marching and chanting with colourful signs and drums.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2026-05-19 16:09:332026-05-19 16:09:33Media Advisory: Who is Our City Built For? Rally Today at Vancouver City Hall to Demand Affordability Now!
Vancouver, BC – UNITE HERE Local 40 is taking the City of Vancouver to court challenging City Council’s approval of a controversial luxury floating hotel development at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
The Union is asking the Supreme Court of British Columbia to quash Council’s April 14, 2026, decision approving the proposed 250-room floating hotel, or “floatel,” over concerns that critical information about the project was withheld, denying the public a fair hearing process before Council voted to approve the project.
Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre Ltd. submitted the rezoning application on behalf of Sunborn Group, the international mega-yacht hotel company behind similar floating hotel developments in other countries. The applicant needed the City to approve significant changes to current zoning regulations to move forward on a project which will permanently alter one of Vancouver’s most iconic public spaces.
The Union argues the public hearing process was procedurally flawed because key presentation materials and visual renderings available before the hearing minimized the project’s visual impacts, while new renderings presented during the public hearing depicted substantially different views of the floating hotel and its effect on the waterfront.
“This project should not have been approved,” said Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40. “Council approved a massive luxury hotel on Vancouver’s waterfront without giving the public the full picture. Vancouver residents deserve a fair and transparent public process, not one that erodes public trust.”
UNITE HERE Local 40, the union for hospitality workers, opposed the floating hotel proposal. The Union urged Council not to prioritize luxury tourism development over the public interest, particularly for a project that does not address Vancouver’s urgent affordability challenges.
The petition seeks an order setting aside the City’s approval and sending the matter back for reconsideration through a new public hearing process with proper disclosure of all relevant materials.
The case has been filed against the City of Vancouver and Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre Ltd. under British Columbia’s Judicial Review Procedure Act.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2026-05-15 13:30:362026-05-15 13:31:42Press Release: UNITE HERE Local 40 Takes City of Vancouver to Court Challenging Approval of Luxury Floating Hotel
VANCOUVER, BC — More than 1,500 YVR airport workers and supporters have signed a petition demanding that Vancouver International Airport provide a $1,000 FIFA World Cup bonus for all airport workers ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026.
The petition was delivered to the Vancouver Airport Authority by members of UNITE HERE Local 40 in advance of YVR’s Annual Public Meeting yesterday, where airport executives highlighted another year of strong financial performance, record passenger traffic, and international recognition.
In 2025, YVR welcomed a record 26.9 million passengers and reported approximately $717 million in annual revenues, reflecting continued growth at the airport as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Workers say those record numbers have not translated into economic security for many of the frontline employees who keep the airport operating every day.
“Behind the awards and record passenger numbers are workers who are working two and three jobs just to make ends meet,” said Jennie Padilla, a cook at Sal Y Limon. “Cleaners, food service workers, wheelchair attendants, security staff, baggage handlers, and retail workers are the reason YVR functions every day, yet too many are still earning near minimum wage.”
Workers say the pressure on frontline staff will only intensify during FIFA World Cup 2026, when YVR is expected to experience significantly increased passenger volumes and operational demands as one of Canada’s key international gateways.
“If YVR can afford executive compensation packages, major expansion projects, and global FIFA branding opportunities, it can afford to recognize the workers who will carry the burden of making the tournament successful,” said Padilla.
The petition calls on YVR leadership and the Vancouver Airport Authority to commit to a $1,000 FIFA bonus for all airport workers, including contracted workers employed throughout the airport ecosystem, as a tangible recognition of the workforce behind the airport’s success.
Press Release: City Hall set to Consider New Developer Giveaways Amid Affordability Crisis
Vancouver, BC – While hospitality workers and working families are feeling squeezed by the lack of affordability in Vancouver, City Council will consider proposals at its upcoming regular Council meeting and Public Hearing on June 2 that may continue a troubling trend: developers receive additional benefits, flexibility, and exemptions, while affordable housing and community benefits are negotiated downward.
Hidden Hotel Incentive Buried in Bill 16 Update
One of the Public Hearing items is presented as a technical update to comply with provincial Bill 16 requirements on density bonuses and inclusionary zoning. However, tucked inside the report is a significant new incentive for downtown hotel developers.
The proposal would allow hotel projects to receive up to 20% additional floor area for private commercial amenities such as hotel pools, fitness centres, business centres, conference facilities, meeting rooms, and other private spaces.
Last year, Council exempted many hotel amenity spaces from Community Amenity Benefit calculations. This latest proposal would allow hotels to build larger while providing less public benefit in return for local residents.
City Hall has provided no evidence that the incentive is necessary. Council has already approved projects with over 3,200 hotel rooms, with thousands more in the development pipeline. If approved, the measure could allow larger hotel developments without delivering affordable housing, childcare, community facilities, or other public benefits.
“This proposal is being slipped into what is supposed to be a technical Bill 16 compliance update related to zoning for affordable housing,” said Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40. “Instead, City Hall is considering yet another unnecessary incentive to hotel developers that shortchanges us on community benefits.”
UNITE HERE Local 40 is urging Council to reject the bonus incentive for hotel developers.
West Side Tower Proposal Falls Below Social Housing Requirements
Council will also consider a revised rezoning application for 1745 West 8th Avenue. The proposal increases the number of market strata units from 421 to 441 while reducing the number of social housing units from 107 to 98.
Despite seeking significant increases in height and density, the developer is proposing less social housing than City policy requires. The result is a social housing component that falls below the 20% minimum contemplated under the Broadway Plan’s inclusionary housing framework. If Vancouver is serious about affordability, Council should not waive its own affordable housing requirements.
UNITE HERE Local 40 is urging Council to send the application back to staff and require compliance with the full 20% social housing target.
Regular Council Meeting Raises Additional Concerns
Council’s Regular Council meeting earlier that day contains several additional items that continue the pattern of prioritizing developer interests over affordability and public accountability.
Among them:
Council will also consider 13 residential rezoning proposals, seven of which may result in tenant displacement from 158 existing rentals. Ten of the projects would not provide Community Amenity Contributions, despite the City’s ability to negotiate them.
Vancouver residents have heard promises that rapid approvals, increased density, and developer incentives will improve affordability. Yet working people are struggling with expensive housing and living costs while public benefits are increasingly negotiated away.
City Hall should be fighting for stronger affordability requirements, meaningful community benefits, protection for existing renters, and greater transparency, not creating new loopholes and incentives for developers to build unaffordable housing and luxury hotels.
CONTACT: Michelle Travis, [email protected], 778-960-9785
Press Release: Union and Community Delegation Delivers 2,000 Signatures Opposing Holborn Luxury Development
Vancouver, BC — A delegation of union members and community allies delivered a stack of petitions to development giant Holborn Group this afternoon, sending a clear message that the project does not reflect the needs of Vancouver residents facing an affordability crisis.
More than 2,000 residents have signed the petition, opposed to the “supertall” tower project which could be quickly rushed through Council this July before the municipal election. The petition raises concern about the potential fast-tracking of this project, and notes Holborn’s history of displacing low-income residents at Little Mountain and neglect of Dunsmuir House, a former SRO.
A project of this magnitude should receive meaningful public scrutiny and debate; any Council vote on this project should take place after the election this fall.
“Too many workers and young people are struggling to pay rent and stay in the city,” said Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40. “Residents want a different vision for Vancouver. Holborn Group and City Hall need to listen and put residents’ needs first before moving forward on a project that will be unaffordable for most of us.”
Holburn seeks to rezone several development sites in downtown Vancouver to build a luxury megaproject at 501-595 W Georgia, 619 Richards, and 500 Dunsmuir, with 1,288 condo units, 920 hotel rooms, 273 rental units, and a vow to build social housing at another site. The project could displace over a dozen independent businesses, some of whom are long-term tenants.
The online version of the petition can be found here.
CONTACT: Michelle Travis, [email protected], 778-960-9785
Media Advisory: Who is Our City Built For? Rally Today at Vancouver City Hall to Demand Affordability Now!
Vancouver, BC – While Council considers a proposal to rollback requirements for below-market rentals today, hospitality workers and community advocates will be holding a protest this afternoon at City Hall calling on elected officials to stop prioritizing developer profits over housing affordability.
Without a public hearing or opportunity for public input at today’s meeting, Council may approve the second phase of its “fast-track” rental housing plan, allowing larger towers while weakening below-market rental requirements for most new six-storey rental buildings across the city. Council could also allow developers of several previously approved rental projects to walk back their commitments to provide 20% of units at below-market rents – letting developers drop affordability promises that were part of securing city approval.
The rally is part of a broader pushback against development decisions made by Council that fail to address Vancouver’s affordability crisis and increasingly put corporate interests ahead of community needs. The rally comes days after UNITE HERE Local 40 filed a challenge to the Council’s approval of a controversial floating hotel development in Coal Harbour.
WHO: Hospitality workers, members of UNITE HERE Local 40, housing advocates, and community supporters.
WHEN: Today – Tuesday, May 19 at 5PM
WHERE: Vancouver City Hall, 453 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC.
VISUALS: Workers and supporters marching and chanting with colourful signs and drums.
CONTACT: Michelle Travis, [email protected]., 778-960-9785
Press Release: UNITE HERE Local 40 Takes City of Vancouver to Court Challenging Approval of Luxury Floating Hotel
Vancouver, BC – UNITE HERE Local 40 is taking the City of Vancouver to court challenging City Council’s approval of a controversial luxury floating hotel development at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
The Union is asking the Supreme Court of British Columbia to quash Council’s April 14, 2026, decision approving the proposed 250-room floating hotel, or “floatel,” over concerns that critical information about the project was withheld, denying the public a fair hearing process before Council voted to approve the project.
Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre Ltd. submitted the rezoning application on behalf of Sunborn Group, the international mega-yacht hotel company behind similar floating hotel developments in other countries. The applicant needed the City to approve significant changes to current zoning regulations to move forward on a project which will permanently alter one of Vancouver’s most iconic public spaces.
The Union argues the public hearing process was procedurally flawed because key presentation materials and visual renderings available before the hearing minimized the project’s visual impacts, while new renderings presented during the public hearing depicted substantially different views of the floating hotel and its effect on the waterfront.
“This project should not have been approved,” said Zailda Chan, President of UNITE HERE Local 40. “Council approved a massive luxury hotel on Vancouver’s waterfront without giving the public the full picture. Vancouver residents deserve a fair and transparent public process, not one that erodes public trust.”
UNITE HERE Local 40, the union for hospitality workers, opposed the floating hotel proposal. The Union urged Council not to prioritize luxury tourism development over the public interest, particularly for a project that does not address Vancouver’s urgent affordability challenges.
The petition seeks an order setting aside the City’s approval and sending the matter back for reconsideration through a new public hearing process with proper disclosure of all relevant materials.
The case has been filed against the City of Vancouver and Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre Ltd. under British Columbia’s Judicial Review Procedure Act.
CONTACT : Michelle Travis, [email protected], 778-960-9785
Press Release: 1,500 YVR Workers Demand $1,000 FIFA Bonus Ahead of YVR Airport Annual Public Meeting
VANCOUVER, BC — More than 1,500 YVR airport workers and supporters have signed a petition demanding that Vancouver International Airport provide a $1,000 FIFA World Cup bonus for all airport workers ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026.
The petition was delivered to the Vancouver Airport Authority by members of UNITE HERE Local 40 in advance of YVR’s Annual Public Meeting yesterday, where airport executives highlighted another year of strong financial performance, record passenger traffic, and international recognition.
In 2025, YVR welcomed a record 26.9 million passengers and reported approximately $717 million in annual revenues, reflecting continued growth at the airport as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Workers say those record numbers have not translated into economic security for many of the frontline employees who keep the airport operating every day.
“Behind the awards and record passenger numbers are workers who are working two and three jobs just to make ends meet,” said Jennie Padilla, a cook at Sal Y Limon. “Cleaners, food service workers, wheelchair attendants, security staff, baggage handlers, and retail workers are the reason YVR functions every day, yet too many are still earning near minimum wage.”
Workers say the pressure on frontline staff will only intensify during FIFA World Cup 2026, when YVR is expected to experience significantly increased passenger volumes and operational demands as one of Canada’s key international gateways.
“If YVR can afford executive compensation packages, major expansion projects, and global FIFA branding opportunities, it can afford to recognize the workers who will carry the burden of making the tournament successful,” said Padilla.
The petition calls on YVR leadership and the Vancouver Airport Authority to commit to a $1,000 FIFA bonus for all airport workers, including contracted workers employed throughout the airport ecosystem, as a tangible recognition of the workforce behind the airport’s success.
Media Contact: Michelle Travis, [email protected], 778-960-9785