A computer-generated impression of a 250-room floating hotel that is proposed for the Vancouver waterfront is seen in this handout image from a document that was presented to Vancouver's council, which approved the plan on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre / Sunborn / Dialog Design (Mandatory Credit)

By The Canadian Press

Vancouver council approves 250-room floating hotel on downtown waterfront

Apr 15, 2026 | 11:27 AM

VANCOUVER — Vancouver’s council has approved a 250-room floating hotel on the city’s waterfront that proponents say would bring more accommodation capacity and generate economic activity, despite concerns that it would mar water and mountain views.

The application for the so-called floatel was brought by Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre Ltd., and council approved the hotel and a connecting public dock with a walkway and commercial uses on Tuesday night.

The project is proposed by Finnish hospitality group Sunborn International, which operates yacht hotels and floating real estate in London and Gibraltar.

The proposal calls for a vessel six storeys tall from sea level, situated in the water in front of the Vancouver Convention Centre.

In the application’s letter of intent, Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre chairman Graham Clarke said the floatel would “contribute to Vancouver’s hotel stock in a meaningful and unique way,” thereby helping to grow the vibrancy of the nearby community.

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“This proposal is a far better use of the publicly-accessible waterfront than the private yacht marina that was approved here but never constructed,” Clarke said.

“Given that virtually the entirety of the Coal Harbour (development plan) area has been developed, this project proposes an elegant solution to the challenge of delivering a new hotel that will support growth in tourism and convention activity while complementing the area’s existing uses.”

Sunborn said the project would support up to 225 jobs when in operation and the entry level of the vessel would be fully open to the public, which would “attract locals and tourists to come down and experience the waterfront,” driving economic activity and vibrancy.

COPE councillor Sean Orr voted against the project, while a number of members of the public spoke out in opposition during the meeting.

One resident told council that the structure “sits right in the line of sight to one of the most amazing views in Vancouver,” while others expressed concerns over congestion, and potential pollution in the harbour.

In a comment opposing the project, Vancouver resident Clinton Robinson said the floatel should be moved further east or even choose a completely new location to avoid blocking the view of the North Shore on the other side of Burrard Inlet from Vancouver.

“This view is one of the most visited by visitors to the city, and residents, including myself, never tire of standing exactly where the entrance to the floating hotel would be to enjoy the view, at all seasons of the year,” Robinson said. “A floating hotel would completely change this view, obstructing it for certain angles and distracting from the natural beauty.

“There is absolutely no way the hotel in this position could possibly enhance the environment and its attractions.”

City staff said the project must still meet all environmental requirements and approval processes.

They say the floatel’s placement near the Waterfront SkyTrain station should mitigate congestion concerns.

Sunborn chairman Hans Niemi told the meeting Tuesday that the floatel design has already evolved several times in consideration of the harbour-front view.

“We understand the sensitivity of the site and the viewpoints,” Niemi said, noting Sunborn has looked at several alignment options for the vessel to “accommodate the viewpoints of the port.”

“We feel that this particular alignment and location fulfils all of those concerns.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 15, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press