Transformational VGH+ project that will boost health care access in BC receives City of Vancouver approval
VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 16, 2026 /CNW/ - Vancouver City Council has approved zoning for a landmark VGH+ health care redevelopment at 900 and 990 West 12 Avenue, setting a new national benchmark for how health care infrastructure can be delivered in Canada.
Led by VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, the project is a cornerstone of the Foundation's bold approach to catalyzing health care innovation in BC. Upon completion, it will provide much-needed space for long-term care beds, create an opportunity to consolidate medical teams and programs of Vancouver Coastal Health currently dispersed in multiple leased locations across Vancouver, as well as create a new modern, purpose-built outpatient diagnostic and clinical space to better serve patients, families and care teams.
Purchased by VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation in 2022, this property -- located directly across from VGH -- is part of an ambitious vision that would add much needed health care infrastructure in support of VGH. A defining feature of this project is VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation's unprecedented investment in acquiring and developing the property, representing the largest investment of its kind in health care infrastructure in Canada. This unique ownership model creates long-term flexibility and sustainability -- and ensures donor generosity delivers impact not just once, but again and again.
"This is VGH+ in action," says Angela Chapman, President and CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. "We're taking bold, practical action to strengthen public health care -- accelerating solutions that expand access, modernize care and create lasting impact to patients and their families. By investing in and owning this site, we've built a circular philanthropic model that keeps giving -- fueling world-class care, groundbreaking research and future cures for generations."
The proposed redevelopment significantly strengthens seniors' care and specialized services while building long-term capacity to VGH. The first phase of the planned development includes a 26-storey tower, featuring state-of-the-art clinical and research spaces, physician offices, with a modernized structure to better serve patients and meet growing demands. A cornerstone of the project is 280 state-of-the-art long-term care beds to support seniors and families across Vancouver and beyond.
The project's innovative philanthropic funding model allows critical health care infrastructure to move forward in a sustainable way that puts critically needed dollars into the system without drawing on capital budgets. This approach accelerates delivery, strengthens publicly funded care and helps relieve pressure on acute-care hospitals -- while ensuring donations directly fuel patient-centred impact where it's needed most.
Mayor Ken Sim emphasizes the importance of the project for the city and its residents.
"This VGH & UBC Foundation project is a major investment in the health and well-being of people living in Vancouver and the province," says Mayor Sim. "By approving this project, the City is supporting innovative, forward-looking solutions that expand seniors' care, modernize health care infrastructure and strengthen essential services. It's a great example of how the Foundation is delivering lasting benefits for our community."
With zoning approval secured, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation moves into the next phases of planning and development -- advancing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to add critical health care infrastructure in Vancouver through catalytic philanthropy, innovation and partnership.
About VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is the leading charity investing in health care innovation in BC. As Vancouver Coastal Health's primary philanthropic partner, the Foundation raises essential funds for VGH, UBC Hospital, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre and Vancouver Community Health Services. Donations fund groundbreaking research, world-class health care teams and life-saving treatments for the most complex cases across the province. For more information, please visit: vghfoundation.ca.
SOURCE VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
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