WATCH: City of Vancouver seeking public engagement on updates to Higher Buildings Policy

VANCOUVER — City officials are seeking public engagement on potential updates to the Higher Buildings Policy.

A new interactive exhibit has been set up at the Vancouver Lookout to give those interested a chance to learn more, and offer their thoughts.

It features a 3D printed map of downtown with plastic building of various heights one can play around with, as well as a variety of spaces to share opinions. Those interested in visiting can do so — free of charge — on Sunday May 3 from 2-6pm, Wednesday May 6 from 6-9pm, and Saturday May 9 from 10am-6pm.

In an interview with Sitka Media, City Planning, Urban Design, and Sustainability General Manager Josh White explained what the Higher Buildings Policy is, and what could be changing.

"The policy's been in place for a number of years," he said, "but we are doing an update as we're certainly seeing more interest in people continuing to build high-rises ... and we're doing a review to see where might be the appropriate locations for our tallest buildings, as well as how they can contribute to both our skyline as well as things like public benefits that help make downtown more liveable."

Under the current policy, building height is capped at 700ft. The Shangri-La — Vancouver's tallest structure — sits at 659ft.

When asked what the changes might look like, White only noted that "over recent years, lots of cities have looked at building higher buildings in the 800ft to 1,000ft range," and that he and his colleagues are "evaluating how tall might be appropriate in Vancouver."

White emphasized that taller buildings wouldn't be allowed just anywhere, and that increasing densification while maintaining distinct neighbourhood character is "key" going forward.

"We wanna make sure any higher buildings introduced to our downtown are positive contributors to livability, quality of life, that can help fund those amenities that we really care about, that ... help support social infrastructure, community infrastructure, public space development," he added.

White pointed out that Vancouver has a "tradition of excellence in urban design," and vowed to continue that legacy into the future.

A number of proposals for taller buildings have come to the city already, including one from local developers Holborn Group and Henriquez Partners Architects.

If approved, three towers — the tallest of which is slated to be 1,034ft tall — would be built on the site of the now-former Hudson's Bay parkade.

It would feature a number of public amenities, including an forested observation deck.