Holborn Group’s Luxury Megatowers
Holborn Group has proposed a megaproject at 501-595 W Georgia & 500 Dunsmuir block.
The plan proposes three of the tallest towers in the city (63-storeys, 68-storeys, and 79-storeys) with 1,288 strata units, 273 rentals, and 920 hotel rooms – marketed with the promise of future social housing at 388 Abbott St.
We’ve heard that story before.
Holborn has a track record: long-delayed social housing replacement at Little Mountain and neglect of Dunsmuir House, a former SRO deemed unsafe and ordered demolished by the city.
Council may fast-track this decision ahead of the next election. This project should not be rushed through. It fails Vancouver on key issues:
AFFORDABILITY: This plan prioritizes luxury units and hotel space. Vancouver needs deeply affordable homes and workforce housing, not more high-end supply.
TAXPAYER DOLLARS SQUANDERED: Holborn may owe up to $50M for demolishing SRO units, which it disputes, and has taken nearly two decades to replace Little Mountain social housing despite receiving a $211M interest-free loan from the province.
SOCIAL HOUSING FIRST: No more promises. Deliver social housing upfront—not after building luxury residences.
SCALE & PRECEDENT: Approving this would weaken existing height and planning policies, opening the door to more supertall luxury projects.
DISPLACEMENT: Existing small businesses on the site would be pushed out.
DEMOCRATIC PROCESS: Council should not rush approval before the election. Residents deserve a full, transparent review and a real voice in this project.