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A homeowner in Kitsilano is expressing frustration over the slow pace of renovations for his century-old house, highlighting the challenges posed by Vancouver’s bureaucratic processes. Aaron Chan, who purchased the property in 2021, has been navigating the city’s permitting system for over two years, hoping to transform his home into a family haven.
Understanding the renovation journey
Chan, who currently resides in Taiwan, has deep roots in Vancouver. He and his wife envisioned a significant renovation for their home, located just across from Kitsilano Beach and valued at nearly $4 million. However, their journey has been anything but smooth.
After initiating communication with the City of Vancouver in early 2022 and hiring an architect, they were met with a lengthy list of requirements. Despite their compliance and patience, the couple found themselves repeatedly asked for additional documentation and revisions.
Comparing global standards
With experience in major real estate developments across cities like New York, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, Chan expected the renovation process in Vancouver to be manageable. “I thought I could easily handle that, but I guess I was very wrong about it,” he remarked.
The couple finally received a demolition permit for their garage after two years, yet they still lack the necessary permits to begin renovations on the house itself.
City’s response and the new permit framework
The City of Vancouver acknowledged the homeowner’s application timeline, stating that the development permit application was submitted in December 2023.
They emphasized that the delays were primarily due to incomplete revisions from the applicant. In response to ongoing concerns about permitting delays, the city introduced the 3-3-3-1 permit approval framework in June 2023, aiming to expedite the process for various types of projects.
Mayor Ken Sim noted that while improvements have been made, there is still work to be done.
Chan’s experience, however, has left him feeling disillusioned. He expressed a desire for a more streamlined process, wishing for a comprehensive list of requirements rather than piecemeal requests. Despite these challenges, Chan remains committed to moving his family back to Vancouver, hoping to settle in by 2025. He believes that the current system is broken and calls for necessary amendments to improve the renovation experience for future homeowners.
