It’s been almost four decades since Expo 86, yet the prime waterfront property along Northeast False Creek remains undeveloped. This question was posed by Ravi Kahlon, B.C. Housing Minister, who expressed his frustration about the lack of progress on the site. Kahlon was particularly concerned about the lack of action considering the housing shortage in the community.
The land, which was bought by a private entity, Concord Pacific, from the province after the 1986 world’s fair, has been vacant for years, currently hosting only a pair of parking lots. The undeveloped site has become a symbol of the challenges faced in building new housing in the region.
Concord Pacific recently unveiled a proposal to construct 12 towers with 5,000 homes on the site. The development, named “Concord Landing,” plans to connect Georgia Street directly to Pacific Boulevard, replacing the viaducts and including a new 14-acre waterfront park. However, the project’s success is dependent on the removal of the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts, a task that was approved a decade ago but is still unfunded and without a formal plan.
According to Matt Meehan, Concord Pacific’s senior vice president of planning, the development of the final 15% of the Expo Lands has been hindered by the 2010 Olympics, the Viaduct study, and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite these challenges, Concord Pacific is keen to proceed with the development and is open to any assistance from the Province.
Kahlon is eager for all involved parties to agree on a plan that could see work commence by the end of the year. He expressed his frustration at the delays, particularly given that BC Housing has proposed affordable housing options as part of the plan. However, the province appears unwilling to contribute to the cost of removing the viaducts, leaving a funding gap that needs to be addressed.
In 2018, the estimated cost of removing the viaducts was $438 million, a figure that has likely increased due to recent inflation. The City of Vancouver has yet to confirm whether taxpayers will be left to cover the remaining costs. Despite these challenges, the development of this prime waterfront real estate remains a key priority and a potential solution to the region’s housing issues.
