Vancouver City Council approves high-density redevelopment of former Molson brewery site

Vancouver City Council has unanimously approved the first major steps toward transforming the former Molson Coors brewery site at the south end of the Burrard Street Bridge into a high-density, mixed-use neighbourhood.

Following a lengthy public hearing on Tuesday, council approved redesignating the nearly eight-acre property from industrial and employment uses to "Mixed Use High-Rise 2" in Vancouver's new Official Development Plan. The process began early in 2026 and involved public consultation.

Council also endorsed changing the site's regional designation from Industrial to General Urban, though that portion requires final approval from Metro Vancouver Regional District's board of directors, comprised of other mayors and city councillors across the region.

Metro Vancouver's board is expected to give the regional designation amendment first reading on July 24, with final consideration targeted for late September 2026. If approved, the amended Vancouver Official Development Plan is expected to return to City Council for formal enactment in October 2026.

During the public hearing, ABC city councillor Peter Meiszner said preliminary discussions indicate there is "broad support" at the regional government level for permitting the land use changes. While Metro Vancouver has historically been cautious about removing protected industrial land designations due to the region's shortage of such space, this particular site's condition and context present different circumstances, according to council discussion.