PCI & Low Tide Submit Plans For Kitsilano Safeway After $90M Acquisition

Two major players in Vancouver’s real estate scene, PCI Developments and Low Tide Properties, have officially submitted their plans to redevelop the Safeway site in Kitsilano after acquiring it for $90 million. The proposal, a mix of residential and commercial spaces, aims to revitalize the prime location at West 4th Avenue and Vine Street. With a focus on sustainability and community integration, this development could become a landmark project for the vibrant Kitsilano neighborhood.  

The ambitious project includes a six-story mixed-use building that will host both residential and retail spaces. According to PCI and Low Tide, the new design is centered around a modern Safeway supermarket at the base, ensuring the grocery store remains a key amenity for the area. The upper floors will house approximately 130 rental homes, with a significant portion designated as below-market rental units to address Vancouver’s growing demand for affordable housing.  

The site has long been a focal point for the community, and PCI and Low Tide’s proposal aims to maintain its importance while adding new amenities. The developers have emphasized the need for a pedestrian-friendly design, incorporating public plazas and green spaces into the project. Early renderings show a sleek and modern structure, designed to blend with Kitsilano’s unique charm and character while accommodating the neighborhood’s evolving needs.  

Local response to the proposal has been mixed, as is often the case with large-scale developments in Vancouver. While many residents are optimistic about the addition of affordable housing and improved retail options, others have raised concerns about increased density and potential traffic congestion. PCI and Low Tide have committed to engaging with the community and addressing these concerns through consultations as the project moves forward.  

This redevelopment comes at a time when Vancouver continues to grapple with housing shortages and affordability challenges. PCI and Low Tide’s investment reflects a broader trend of developers focusing on mixed-use projects to maximize land use while meeting diverse urban needs. If approved, the new Kitsilano Safeway site could serve as a model for balancing commercial, residential, and community priorities.  

With the city’s planning process underway, the final decision on the proposal will likely take several months. However, PCI and Low Tide’s track record of successful developments has raised hopes for a well-executed project that enhances Kitsilano’s livability. As Vancouver waits for the city’s verdict, the project has already sparked conversations about the future of urban development in the area.