If you’ve walked down the Hastings corridor lately, you’ve probably noticed the same thing many of us have—too many empty storefronts. You can also find this on Water Street, Main Street, and many parts of the Downtown Eastside.

Behind those dark or boarded-up windows are lost opportunities: for jobs, for small businesses, for creativity, and for connection.

That’s why the Temporary Occupancy Pilot coming soon to the Downtown Eastside, including the Hastings Crossing BIA area, is such an important step forward.

This pilot, originally crafted by HxBIA and approved unanimously by City Council in July, will make it easier for vacant commercial spaces to be used temporarily by local artists, entrepreneurs, and community groups—for up to 2 years—without needing major permit changes or inspections.

The proposed pilot for the DTES comprises four key components:

1. Add Artist Studio Class A to the Five Uses exempt from the change of use
   Development Permit (DP) requirement. That means a change of use between any of Artist Studio Class A, Barber Shop or Beauty Salon, Beauty and Wellness Center, General Office, Health Care Office, or Retail Store would not require a Development Permit for spaces smaller than 300 m2 and would be exempt from building upgrades that can be required with changes in major building occupancy.
2. A simplified permitting process to help businesses begin operating soon after securing a lease: City staff would support and prioritize applicants for the six uses above through case management; special inspections would be scheduled to identify any required building upgrades for the use being proposed to achieve life safety standards; and a time-limited Occupancy Permit of up to 2 years would be issued for spaces that meet basic life safety requirements.
3. Pro-active inspections offered to property owners free of charge to identify upgrades required for temporary occupancy (life safety requirements) and permanent occupancy for any of the six uses. These inspections would enable owners to advertise turn-key spaces which are likely to be more appealing to prospective tenants; and prospective tenants would have more accurate information about how well a space would work for them before entering into a lease agreement.
4. Education and Communication to support the pilot, staff intend to launch communications in early 2026, including workshops for BIAs, property owners, and prospective tenants.

In simple terms: it’s about making it faster, easier, and more affordable to bring life back to empty spaces.

It matters for everyone—even if you don’t have a vacant space

At first glance, you might think this only helps property owners with empty storefronts. But really, it’s about strengthening the entire community economy.

When a vacant storefront becomes a pop-up café, a new retailer, or an art studio, it draws people to the street. That means more eyes on the block, more foot traffic for nearby businesses, more activity and vibrancy on our streets, and a stronger sense of safety and community.

It’s also a chance to support new entrepreneurs and creative projects who otherwise can’t afford to wait months and months for inspections and permit approvals. Think of it as a way to “test drive” new ideas—safely, quickly, and affordably—while making the neighbourhood more vibrant.

We’re hard at work—ensuring this pilot works in the real world!

HxBIA has been working closely with City staff to make sure this pilot works in the real world — not just on paper. That means:

• Identifying which types of businesses and community uses would qualify, and simplifying the application process
• Exploring proactive inspections for spaces so they’re “ready to go” when a new tenant wants to come in
• Coordinating with partners like the Commercial Renovation Centre and local property owners to better communicate what properties and businesses are eligible, and how to access the program, once up and running

What’s next

City staff are reporting back to Council on the proposed pilot on November 4. We’re encouraged by the direction — and by the City’s willingness to collaborate with the community to get this right.

Because at the end of the day, this pilot isn’t just about filling spaces. It’s about bringing energy, safety, and opportunity back to the heart of the city.

To view the council report, click here and scroll to pages 33-36.