Vancouver has had periodic debates over heights of new buildings, first in downtown, then in some neighbourhoods like Mt. Pleasant. Successive councils have allowed developers to build taller buildings than zoning would otherwise allow, in trade for developers\u2019 donations of parks, preservation of historic buildings, day care centres, recreation facilities and other public amenities.<\/p>\n
But where is the tradeoff inappropriate? That\u2019s the discussion around an interesting proposal on Helmcken St. at Richards St. Brenhill Developments is proposing to replace a deteriorating city social house, with a far larger social residence and other amenities, in trade for constructing a much taller residential tower than zoning now allows.<\/p>\n