National

Talk of changing Vancouver's supportive housing policy has organizations on edge

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 05 Feb, 2025 01:04 PM

A proposal by Vancouver's mayor to halt new supportive housing projects in the city has organizations with plans in various stages of completion worried about the projects they've spent years trying to get off the ground.

Mayor Ken Sim announced last month that he would be putting forward a proposal to pause construction of net new supportive housing units in Vancouver, arguing that the city needs to focus on updating its current stock, while supply in other parts of the region increases.

Julie Roberts, executive director of Community Builders, says the organization has weekly meetings that include representatives from the city about the design and construction of a 64-unit supportive housing building that was approved by council last year, but no one has said if the mayor's plan will allow the project to go ahead.

Donna-Lynn (Donnie) Rosa, the CEO of Atira, a housing and women's advocacy group, says she's been told that its projects, which include a building that is expected to be occupied this summer and one that is being renovated, are not believed to be at risk, though city staff told her they don't have clear directions yet.

Data provided by BC Housing list 795 supportive housing units "underway" in Vancouver as of the end of September 2024, which covers "any project that is in the planning, proposal or construction phase."

If approved, the proposed supportive housing project would feature 55 new homes and be located on city-owned land at 3027 and 3037 2nd Ave.#PortAlberni #SupportiveHousing
— BC Housing (@BC_Housing) February 4, 2025

A statement from the City of Vancouver says there are five supportive housing projects with a combined 330 supportive units at various stages of obtaining a development or building permit, as well as one additional project with 53 supportive units under construction.

The statement says any changes to policy would require direction from city council.

"The City of Vancouver has a clear development permit process, and staff will continue to process applications for social and supportive housing according to existing policies until a council resolution is passed."

No date has been provided for when Sim is expected to put forward his proposal to council.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Beyond the Stereotypes: A Deep Dive into the International Student Experience

The narrative around international students in Canada is further complicated by prevalent stereotypes, which can unfairly depict them as contributors to housing shortages and job competition rather than recognizing their vital role in the country’s educational and economic landscape. We delve into the personal stories of three international students who share their experiences and challenges in this increasingly complex environment.

Beyond the Stereotypes: A Deep Dive into the International Student Experience

Industry minister echoes Shopify calls to boost ambition in Canada

Canada's industry minister has thrown his support behind a call from one of Shopify Inc.'s leaders for the country to get more ambitious. Among the buzziest talks was one from Shopify president Harley Finkelstein, who told the audience on opening night that he had noted a lack of ambition in Canada that he likened to a "600-pound beaver in the room."

Industry minister echoes Shopify calls to boost ambition in Canada

Man arrested in Fort Nelson arson

A 41-year-old man has been charged in connection with a June 15th arson in Fort Nelson. Mounties say they were called to the scene where a heavy-duty tow truck and a car were allegedly set on fire in a secure tow lot.

Man arrested in Fort Nelson arson

Pit bulls in B.C. pet mauling tested positive for meth, cocaine, says city

The City of Kamloops says three pit bulls involved in a deadly attack on another dog last month tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine and it wants the animals put down. Kamloops community services manager Will Beatty says the drugs were found in the dogs' systems after they hopped a fence and mauled a 13-year-old border collie to death.

Pit bulls in B.C. pet mauling tested positive for meth, cocaine, says city

What the parties are promising ahead of the British Columbia provincial election

The British Columbia's New Democrats released the party's platform Thursday days after the Greens unveiled a plan for government ahead of the election on Oct. 19. The B.C. Conservative Party has not released its platform, but has made a series of policy announcements and promises as election day approaches. Here is a look at some of the top promises made by each major party:

What the parties are promising ahead of the British Columbia provincial election

30 tonnes of chemicals seized in B.C. destined for drug production: RCMP

Mounties in British Columbia say they've seized more than 30 tonnes of chemicals that investigators believe were to be used in the production of methamphetamine. A statement says the Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement and Response Team executed a search warrant on a rural property in Enderby, B.C., in the North Okanagan region, on Sept. 11, and found a Bobcat loader that was reported stolen in Kelowna in 2021, as well as the chemicals.