Vancouver developer cancels 17-storey office tower [Video]

A major project to help revitalize Vancouver’s Granville Entertainment District has hit a speed bump.

Bonnis Properties, the developer behind the project, has canceled plans to build a 17-storey office tower, citing a lack of urgency from city planners and a shift in office vacancy rates.

“Time kills all great things, and what really killed this project was city staff and planning,” said Kerry Bonnis, a principal with the development company.

Bonnis said declining demand for office tenancy also contributed to the company’s decision.

“The effect of COVID-19 was extremely detrimental to office tenancy demands,” he said.

The project, called 800 Granville, is still slated to include restaurant and performance spaces. It’s part of the city’s push to revitalize the Granville strip. Part of that planning includes expanding and enhancing public space to support a range of activities, protecting and strengthening job space, expanding tourism and improving transportation.

Coun. Rebecca Bligh said she was …