National

B.C., Vancouver partner on modular housing

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 14 Dec, 2022 04:34 PM

VANCOUVER - British Columbia and the City of Vancouver are teaming up to build 90 modular housing units with round-the-clock supports for people experiencing homelessness in the Downtown Eastside.

Premier David Eby says the temporary homes will serve as a "bridge" to health supports and more permanent, stable housing.

A statement from the ministry says the units will be in two separate locations near the Science World and Olympic Village SkyTrain stations and are set to open in March 2023.

Join us live for an announcement on housing. ⬇️https://t.co/Irg5UQSgBW
— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) December 14, 2022

It says the units will be offered to people currently living in shelters, freeing up more of those paces for people living in what the ministry describes as "unsafe encampments," including those along Vancouver's Hastings Street and a waterfront park.

The homes are part of the B.C. government's $7-billion housing plan, and with a lifespan of a least three years, they are considered a transitional step while permanent housing is developed.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim says the city is in the midst of one of the "greatest crises" in its history, and today's announcement makes "meaningful progress" towards securing quality housing for the most vulnerable residents.

"We applaud the provincial government’s continued response to the call for greater senior-level involvement in the crisis on the Downtown Eastside," Sim says.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. public school teachers ratify new contract

It boosts annual salaries for new teachers as much as $8,500 by the end of the third year while B.C.'s highest-paid educators will earn up to $13,500 more over the same period, which Johnston says pushes them above the $100,000-per-year threshold for the first time.

B.C. public school teachers ratify new contract

Arctic cold descends on parts of B.C.

Arctic outflow warnings have been posted for B.C.’s central and northern coasts, with the wind chill predicted at minus 20. Special weather statements are also up for most of Vancouver Island and the south coast, with icy conditions and wind chills near minus 10.

Arctic cold descends on parts of B.C.

Street drugs kill another 179 people in B.C.

The coroner says the October statistics show that illicit drugs caused the deaths of 1,827 people in B.C. in the first 10 months of this year. Chief coroner Lisa Lapointe says the increased toxicity and variability of street drugs has created an environment where everyone who uses substances is at risk.

Street drugs kill another 179 people in B.C.

Metro Vancouver storm creates traffic chaos

Several crashes blocked the Alex Fraser Bridge, one of the main arteries over the Fraser River. The route was closed for hours in both directions over safety concerns, the government said.

Metro Vancouver storm creates traffic chaos

Guns seized including a Ghost gun, charges sworn against Surrey man, Baljit Singh Nijjar

32-year-old Baljit Singh Nijjar of Surrey has been charged with multiple firearms charges including unauthorized possession of a prohibited/restricted firearm and possession of a prohibited/restricted firearm without a license.

Guns seized including a Ghost gun, charges sworn against Surrey man, Baljit Singh Nijjar

Vancouver Police are investigating 2 homicides that took place a week apart

The victim was located inside an apartment building on East Hastings near Carrall Street. VPD’s Homicide Unit has identified the victim as Joseph Kelly. No arrests have been made, and anyone with information is asked to call Vancouver Police.