Frequently Asked Questions

The Need and Rationale for Renewal document lists the reasons for redesigning and redeveloping the site.

• Aging mechanical and electrical plant for the pool and rink facilities
• Increase cost of operating the facility – capital repairs and efficiencies
• Lack of appropriate public spaces, programming and multi-purpose space (no arts and performance studios, theatres or appropriate meeting rooms)
• Lack of green space and park space
• Lack of seismic upgrading to existing structures
• Safety – blind corners, dead ends and public areas that are difficult to secure
• Challenges in site navigation – dead ends, too many doors, no formal entrance for the secondary school, elementary school or community centre, poor lighting and security
• Poor accessibility – large grade change with only minimal elevators available

The Planning & Development Committee has developed a detailed consultation plan which sets out how Britannia and its site partners will consult with the various community groups — including those from the Downtown Eastside, Strathcona, RayCam, and Hastings-Sunrise. Community members and stakeholder groups will be invited into the process, and there will be time and opportunity for participants to comment on all aspects of the renewal plan. Our site partners may also be doing their own community consultation separately from ours.

In the 2014 civic election, residents of Vancouver voted to add Britannia to the Capital Plan. The first phase of work will commence in the 2015–2018 Capital Plan, following a thorough consultation process, and be completed during the first half of the 2019–2022 Capital Plan. Investments in this phase of work are estimated to be $75 to $100 million over two capital plans, of which $25 million is included in the 2015–2018 Capital Plan.

It’s hard to say. The intent is to redevelop the site piece by piece in order to allow the continued use of services. However, the degree to which this will be possible will have to be worked out with our site partners as the plan for redevelopment progresses. It is possible that some services will need to close temporarily in order to undertake construction of new facilities.

The Britannia Renewal Master Plan directs project partners to seek opportunities to incorporate non-market housing on site to provide critically needed homes for community members. However, project partners understand that there is no consensus in the community regarding the addition of non-market housing through the Britannia Renewal. There have been no decisions made regarding height, density, or the number of units at this time. Britannia Community Services Centre Society (BCSCS) Board of Management supported the Master Plan with the expectation of continued dialogue on the suitability of non-market housing for the site. Read BCSCS’s response to this.

Building on the work and engagement completed to date on the Master Plan, the project team is now working with community to develop site options including non-market housing in preparation for the rezoning application. During this phase of work, we are seeking input on housing needs in the Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood and surrounding areas. We are also looking for feedback on what project partners need to consider to successfully integrate non-market housing with community facilities on the Britannia site. For more information, read our Community Conversations: Non-Market Housing FAQ.

It has begun! We are currently in the rezoning phase and are working with the community and our site partners (the City of Vancouver, the Park Board, the School Board, and the Vancouver Public Library) to submit a rezoning application. As the renewal process unfolds, we will post updates about the timeline on this website, but you may want to follow Britannia Community Services Centre on social media for updates!

Rezoning is the process of changing how a property can be used or developed. Building on the directions of the Master Plan, the rezoning process will identify the types of uses that can be included on site, and a number of development criteria including building density, heights, and green space requirements. Before project partners submit a formal rezoning application, a series of development site options for the renewed Britannia will be shared with the community to discuss priorities for dedicated and shared space, trade-offs, and to find creative solutions to meet the diverse needs of the community.

Yes! All members of the community are invited to join the Planning & Development Committee. Please visit the Planning & Development Committee Page on this website to learn more about how you can get involved.