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

Feds to permanently end interest on student loans

Interest rates will still apply on the provincial portion of a student’s loan. While this move is helpful for students graduating, said Rebekah Young, director of fiscal and provincial economics at Scotiabank, it is ultimately relief for interest payments on debt rather than money toward tuition or other post-secondary school expenses.

Feds to permanently end interest on student loans

Care home changes aim to give families more say

Mable Elmore, parliamentary secretary for senior services, says changes to the residential care regulation will strengthen the voices of resident and family councils. The councils, which she likened to residential stratas, are groups of people who meet regularly to promote the collective interests of residents and discuss concerns.

Care home changes aim to give families more say

Five highlights from the fall fiscal update

The word “inflation” appears more than 100 times in the document, making clear the government's primary economic concern. But beyond the top-line debt projections and the analysis of how Canada seeks to soften the impact of a potential recession, the fiscal update offers key details that shed light on Liberal priorities.

Five highlights from the fall fiscal update

Man dies in B.C. prison 40 years after sentencing

Darcy Sidoruk was 18 years old in 1982 when he pleaded guilty and was sentenced for the shooting two years earlier of family friend Yvonne Doucette in Dawson Creek. Sidoruk also admitted to shooting 19-year-old James Pitt, who picked him up hitchhiking outside Dawson Creek, shortly after the murder of Doucette.

Man dies in B.C. prison 40 years after sentencing

VPD investigate that city's 10 homicide after man dies due to stabbing

According to police, a witness called 9-1-1 around 9:45 p.m. to report a man had been attacked near Renfrew and Graveley streets. The 37-year-old victim was taken to hospital where he died of his injuries. No arrests have been made and a suspect has not been located.

VPD investigate that city's 10 homicide after man dies due to stabbing

Indian-origin MP ushers in Hindu Heritage Month in Canada

Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya marked Canada's first Hindu Heritage Month beginning frorm November to acknowledge and celebrate contributions made by Hindus to make the country strong and prosperous. The Canadian House of Commons had passed a unanimous resolution moved by Arya earlier this year to have November proclaimed as the Hindu Heritage Month.