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

Port Moody Police struggle to break up a crowd of 150 intoxicated youth

More than 150 youth had gathered in the park – many of which were under the influence of alcohol and other intoxicants. One youth climbed on to a police car, attempting to damage the cruiser.

Port Moody Police struggle to break up a crowd of 150 intoxicated youth

788 arrested in B.C. since logging protest began

In a news release, the RCMP say protesters tried to dig trenches along the Granite Mainline Forest Service Road and parked vehicles to prevent officers from leaving but the shallow pits were refilled and automobiles were towed.

788 arrested in B.C. since logging protest began

Mask mandate returns in British Columbia

Henry says about 75 per cent of B.C. residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but that number needs to be higher as the Delta variant drives up case counts, putting those who are unvaccinated at greater risk of contracting the virus.

Mask mandate returns in British Columbia

Trudeau mum on U.S. Afghan deadline ahead of G7

Trudeau joined a special virtual meeting of the G7 leaders Tuesday on the crisis in Afghanistan and President Joe Biden is expected to face calls from some fellow leaders to extend the U.S. military commitment to the country beyond his Aug. 31 deadline.

Trudeau mum on U.S. Afghan deadline ahead of G7

COVID-19 plan unveiled for B.C. schools, students grade 4 to 12 required to wear masks in school when classes return in September

Students grade 4 to 12, staff, teachers, visitors and administers will be required to wear masks in school when classes return in September in BC. Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside says it will be full, in person learning. The mask mandate is for indoor spaces, like last school year. Extra curriculars will be back.

COVID-19 plan unveiled for B.C. schools, students grade 4 to 12 required to wear masks in school when classes return in September

Number of active wildfires in B.C. remains at 250

Fire information officer Taylor Colman says crews are seeing between three and five fires start each day compared with about 40 in July. She says most of the wildfires of note — including White Rock Lake at about 810 square kilometres and Lytton Creek at 845 square kilometres — have not seen much growth.