New Trump Tower Brings Controversy to the Vancouver Skyline

The second project bearing Trump's name will open next week in Canada. Donald Jr. and Eric Trump will be on hand for the opening. The mayor of the city will not.

1 minute read

February 25, 2017, 11:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Vancouver Skyline

kaiyhun / Shutterstock

Jerry Hainsworth and Rob Gillies report for the Associated Press on the newest addition to the Vancouver skyline: a 69-story glass skyscraper bearing the name Trump International Hotel and Tower.

According to the article, the political climate created by the 2016 presidential campaign, and the actions taken by the Trump Administration since Inauguration Day 2017, have soured the public on the new building. The sentiment for the Trump brand is so negative that Vancouver Mayor Gregor Roberston won't attend the opening, and even the developer of the project, Joo Kim Tiah, went on the record to describe the stress he has felt during Trumps long run of media attention. Unfortunately for Joo Kim's company, Holborn Development, he signed the licensing deal to tie the Trump brand to the project before Trump announced his campaign and began his ongoing tirade of xenophobia and isolationism.

Local and provincial politicians are quoted in the article saying the soon-to-be second tallest building in Vancouver will stand as a symbol of everything the city opposes.

Meanwhile, a protest is planned for the tower's opening, scheduled for Tuesday, February 28.

The Trump International Hotel and Tower, opening February 28, 2017 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Popsidoodle/Shutterstock)

Friday, February 24, 2017 in Associated Press via The Mercury News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of Shirley Chisholm Village four-story housing development with person biking in front.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning

SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

June 8, 2025 - Fast Company

Yellow single-seat Japanese electric vehicle drivign down road.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs

The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

June 6, 2025 - PC Magazine

White Waymo autonomous car driving fast down city street with blurred background at night.

Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars

Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.

2 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

Two small wooden one-story homes in Florida with floodwaters at their doors.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?

With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

3 hours ago - Governing

People riding bicycles on separated bike trail.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike

For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.

6 hours ago - UNM News