For the second consecutive year, Vancouver’s year-end rental housing statistics showed substantial increases in new rental housing approvals and affordable housing options as a result, in part, of the city’s incentive programs.

Vancouver’s city council approved 1,097 new rental housing units in 2013, surpassing the previously established record of 1,021 units in 2012.

“Another record year for new rental housing shows that Vancouver is on the right track in our support for renters, and that our rental incentive programs are delivering results,” says Mayor Gregor Robertson. “City Hall remains focused on enabling new rental housing to help people who can’t afford to buy in Vancouver, particularly seniors, students, and young families.”

The largest approved new rental project is at 1600 Beach Ave., which was approved through the Short-Term Incentives for Rental (STIR) program. Of the 113 units, 58 per cent will be targeted to families with children. It is only the second new purpose-built West End rental building in the last decade.