CD-1 Text Amendment 138 East 7th Avenue to permit a six-story mixed-use building with office and service use (including yellow memo amendments) — Public Hearing, February 3, 2026

Motion 2 Carried

Summary

Proposed amending the existing CD-1 zone at 138 East 7th Avenue to allow a four-storey addition atop a two-storey building, creating a six-storey mixed-use office building that retains the Sarah McLaughlin School of Music (free after-school music for at-risk youth) on one full floor.
The Wolverton Foundation, which privately funds the school's space, argued the expansion is needed to generate rental income from additional office tenants to keep the school financially sustainable for the next decade.
Two neighbouring strata owners opposed the application, raising concerns about separation distances (as close as 43–48 feet at one corner), privacy and overlook, noise from music practice rooms, and increased laneway congestion.
Staff clarified that tower-separation rules do not apply to six-storey buildings under the Broadway Plan; the tightest separation affects one unit facing a blank stair-core wall, reducing direct overlook; and engineering conditions will upgrade the rear lane.
Council expressed strong support for the adaptive-reuse approach and for preserving a valued community arts institution near the new Broadway SkyTrain station and an upcoming city park.
Carried unanimously (Councillor Bly absent).