OneCity proposes transforming Kingsgate Mall into school, housing, and public amenities
The political party unveiled plans to redevelop the 3.2-acre shopping centre at East Broadway and Kingsway if elected October 17, but a long-term lease complicates the path forward.
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OneCity Vancouver unveiled plans Tuesday to transform Kingsgate Mall into a public school, affordable rental housing, community centre, childcare facilities, and potentially an aquatic centre — if the party's candidates win election October 17.
The 3.2-acre shopping centre at the southeast corner of East Broadway and Kingsway is owned by Vancouver School Board but operated under a long-term lease by developer Beedie, which holds a 99-year lease dating to 1972. The arrangement has become contentious: in March 2026, the B.C. Court of Appeal ruled in Beedie's favour in a rent dispute, upholding an annual basic rent of $1.65 million for the 2017-2027 lease term — far less than a 2022 arbitration decision that set rent at $9.6 million.
OneCity's proposal includes a public school with flexible interior space, general and Indigenous childcare, before and after school care, and affordable and subsidized rental housing for School Board employees. The party is also examining whether a new 50-metre pool for Mount Pleasant could fit on the site — the West End Vancouver Aquatic Centre is being demolished for a new facility with a 25-metre pool.
The plan requires collaboration between Vancouver City Council, Vancouver Park Board, Vancouver School Board, public and private partners, and First Nations. The location is near frequent bus routes and the future Mount Pleasant Station on SkyTrain's Broadway extension (Main Street and East Broadway), and the city's Broadway Plan supports a broader range of uses at the site.
OneCity sees the redevelopment as creating a new annual revenue stream for the school system through rent and potential payments for granting rights to use portions or build above.
Neither Vancouver School Board nor Beedie has commented on the proposal. The party is running candidates in all three elected bodies of local government but has no mayoral candidate — William Azaroff dropped out and endorsed Pete Fry of Green Party of Vancouver.
How would OneCity navigate or dissolve the existing 99-year Beedie lease if elected?
What is the estimated cost of the redevelopment, and where would funding come from?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
What is Kingsgate Mall and where is it located?
Kingsgate Mall is a 3.2-acre shopping centre at the southeast corner of East Broadway and Kingsway in Vancouver.
Who owns Kingsgate Mall?
Vancouver School Board owns Kingsgate Mall, though developer Beedie operates it under a 99-year lease dating to 1972.
What does OneCity propose to build at Kingsgate Mall?
OneCity proposes transforming the site into a public school, affordable rental housing, community centre, childcare facilities, and potentially a 50-metre aquatic centre.
When is the election OneCity is running candidates for?
The election is October 17, 2026.
