Oakridge Community Campus Moves Forward
Vancouver Council Approves Rezoning for Oakridge Community Campus with JCC, 630 Rentals
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Vancouver City Council has approved a rezoning application for a 3.3-acre site at Oak Street and 41st Avenue, clearing the way for a major new community campus in the city's Oakridge neighbourhood, according to Financial Post. The rezoning was approved following a public hearing on July 16, with construction set to begin later this year.
The project, known as JWest, will bring together an expanded Jewish Community Centre (JCC) of Greater Vancouver, a new King David High School, and 630 secured rental homes on a single integrated campus, The Province reported.
What JWest Will Build in Oakridge
The JWest campus will sit on 3.3 acres at the corner of Oak Street and 41st Avenue. It will house an expanded JCC, a brand-new King David High School campus, and 630 secured rental homes. All three uses will be integrated on a single site in the heart of Oakridge, according to The Observer.
The rental homes are a key part of the plan. Secured rental housing means the units stay as rentals long-term and cannot be converted to condos. Adding 630 of these homes addresses a major need in Vancouver's tight housing market, The Province noted.
Over $200 Million Raised to Make JWest Happen
The project is a partnership between the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, the JCC, and King David High School. Together, they have raised over $200 million from the community to fund the campus, according to Financial Post. Additional funding came from both the provincial and federal governments.
The Financial Post described JWest as a deliberate choice to invest in Vancouver's future. The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver chose to stay and grow in the city rather than relocate or scale back, signalling long-term commitment to the Oakridge area.
Rezoning Clears the Final Hurdle Before Construction
Rezoning approval is a critical legal step. It allows the city to change how land can be used — in this case, permitting a large mixed-use campus where different rules previously applied. The public hearing on July 16 gave residents a chance to weigh in before the council voted, Brantford Expositor reported.
With the rezoning now approved, the JWest partners can move into construction. Work is expected to start later in 2025. The project represents one of the larger community-focused developments in Vancouver's Oakridge neighbourhood in recent years, according to The Observer.
Why Oakridge and Why Now
Oakridge is already a neighbourhood in transition. The area has seen significant redevelopment in recent years, including the Oakridge Centre mall project. JWest fits into that broader wave of change. A campus of this scale — schools, a community centre, and hundreds of rental homes — is rare in any Canadian city.
The combination of community fundraising, government grants, and private development makes JWest a model worth watching. If construction stays on schedule, the campus could open within a few years and serve thousands of Vancouver residents annually, according to Financial Post.
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