Vancouver city council passes Filipino Cultural Centre and Hotel motion

By Nash Villena, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
December 11, 2025

MOTION PASSED. The Vancouver city council passed the motion on Wednesday to build a Filipino cultural centre and hotel on Main Street (Dec. 10, 2025). (Photo Courtesy: Manuel Abuel)

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The Vancouver city council voted to pass the motion to build a Filipino cultural centre and hotel on Main Street on Wednesday, December 10, collectively citing the urgent need for a genuine space where the Filipino community can gather and celebrate their culture.

With overwhelming support from the majority of the city council, the motion received seven “In Favour” votes, whereas Councillors Rebecca Bligh, Pete Fry, Sean Orr, and Lucy Maloney abstained.

Mayor Ken Sim affirmed beforehand that passing the motion does not automatically approve the project, but rather serves as a linchpin to start achieving the long-overdue dream of the Filipino community in British Columbia.

“Passing it today does not approve the project. [The] council will still hear from staff and the public before any final decision,” Sim said. “What this motion does is affirm that this long-held dream deserves serious consideration and a clear path forward. So thank you to the Filipino Legacy Society and everyone who has spoken up for this vision.”

“This motion represents the beginning of something very long overdue … Let’s make history today. Salamat po (Thank you),” Sim added.

RESULTS. The finalised vote of the Vancouver city council on the Filipino Cultural Centre and Hotel motion. (Screengrab from City of Vancouver/YouTube)

For Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung, her support of the motion stemmed from her values to see the cultural centre’s full realisation and the path ahead for the project.

“I wholeheartedly support this motion. Let’s see what comes of it. Let us not put roadblocks in front of the opportunity,” she said.

Similarly, Councillor Peter Meiszner agreed to support the motion by highlighting the contribution of the Filipino community to the development of the city and the province as a whole.

“Your community deserves a home to celebrate your rich culture, your cuisine, your art. You have my support,” said Meiszner.

CENTRE AND HOTEL. The proposed Filipino Cultural Centre and Hotel project on Main Street advanced by the Filipino Legacy Society. (Screengrab from Filipino Legacy Society/YouTube)

Upon the motion’s approval, cheers and rounds of applause from the crowd of motion supporters erupted in the city hall.

The proposed cultural centre and hotel project will be built at two sites on 1940 Main St. and 143 East 3rd Avenue, where it will feature spaces for language learning, a gallery, and 500 hotel rooms. Local real estate development firm Port Living will lead the massive project.

With the motion passed, it shall now direct the city staff to “prioritise” the review of the project and work with the Filipino Legacy Society to find an interim community space for the Filipino community. 

The staff shall also now look into amending the city’s public view-protection policies for the tall structures to be erected in Mount Pleasant.

According to the provincial government, Filipino-Canadians are the third-largest visible minority in British Columbia, with a population of over 174,000, contributing to the province’s workforce and development throughout the years.