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. health minister says system needs change

Dix spoke in Whistler today at the Union of B.C. Municipalities, an annual meeting of municipal politicians, during a plenary on health care. He says the pandemic has seen primary care transition to a disproportionately digital system, creating challenges alongside crises in paramedic services, nursing staffing levels and other areas.

B.C. health minister says system needs change

Man charged after allegedly stealing a vehicle that was for sale by owner

22-year-old Muhammad Mehran Ali of Delta has been charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from police, possession of property obtained by a crime, carrying a concealed weapon, fail to comply with probation order and prohibited driving under the Motor Vehicle Act.

Man charged after allegedly stealing a vehicle that was for sale by owner

Provinces scramble after Trudeau declares holiday

While the announcement signalled that federal workers would get a day off on Sept. 19, the day of the Queen's state funeral and of commemorative events across the country, provinces had to work out the details for other workplaces, including schools, with less than a week's notice.

Provinces scramble after Trudeau declares holiday

B.C. study says 80% of kids, youth have had COVID

The study, which lists Dr. Bonnie Henry among 13 authors, says that in contrast, 60 to 70 per cent of adults aged 20 to 59 and about 40 per cent of those aged 60 and over have been infected. The preprint study, which has not been peer-reviewed, was published online on Sept. 9 and says a series of surveillance reports of infections were understating the actual levels of infection by 92 times.

B.C. study says 80% of kids, youth have had COVID

Most Canadians indifferent to monarchy: poll

The poll from Leger and the Association of Canadian Studies also found that while some Canadians are happy about King Charles III taking the throne and others are not, most are largely indifferent to Canada’s new head of state.

Most Canadians indifferent to monarchy: poll

Liberals announce cost-of-living help

Until now, the government has said it is helping through existing policies, such as child care agreements with the provinces and automatic annual increases to programs like the GST rebate and Canada Child Benefit, as well as 2021 budget promises to increase benefits for seniors and low-income workers.