VANCOUVER - The Province, in partnership with the City of Vancouver and the federal government, is proposing two new permanent supportive housing developments that, if approved, would deliver approximately 230 new homes for people.

These are the first two projects to move forward as part of a commitment from all levels of government to deliver 350 additional permanent supportive modular homes with 24-7 wraparound supports for people experiencing homelessness in the community.

"We are working as quickly as possible to provide more safe and secure homes for vulnerable people in Vancouver," said David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing. "We've made real progress providing homes with 24-7 supports for over 1,000 people in Vancouver since we formed government, but there's more to do. When people are housed, they can access things like health care and skills training to help rebuild their lives and help build stronger communities."

These projects would prioritize those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and who are in need of safe and secure housing with robust support. The buildings would be built on city sites located on the west and east sides of Vancouver:

• 2086 and 2098 W 7th Ave. and 2091 W 8th Ave. - 12-storey building providing approximately 140 studio homes
• 1406 and 1410 E King Edward - 12-storey building providing approximately 90 studio homes

"These projects will provide much-needed housing and help us create safe, inclusive communities for everyone," said Kennedy Stewart, mayor, City of Vancouver. "By creating hundreds more warm, safe and supportive homes with basic necessities, such as food, washrooms and laundry, we can ensure that fewer people are outside struggling to survive. This is how we make sure Vancouver is a city that works for everyone."

The buildings would be designed with safety and wellness in mind. Each of the projects would be managed by experienced non-profit housing operators who would be on site 24-7 to manage the building and provide support services to the residents. Daily meals, health-care services, Indigenous cultural programming, skills building, relationship building and connection to volunteer or employment opportunities, as well as other support services, would be available to residents.

Partners are having conversations with Vancouver Coastal Health to ensure health supports will be available to all the residents living at the site. This would include access and referral to addiction recovery and mental health programs.

In order to address the urgent need for more low-cost housing, the modular building methods will ensure the fastest possible delivery of housing. Each of the units would have their own washroom, kitchenette and storage. There would also be a kitchen with a dining area and common areas to promote community connection and deliver programming.

BC Housing and partners will immediately be engaging with each neighbourhood to provide details about the need for these projects and ensure community feedback is considered throughout the city's rezoning application process and when the building is considered for approval.

If approved, these two new supportive housing projects are estimated to open in late 2023 or early 2024. They are in addition to the almost 1,000 supportive homes the Province has opened in Vancouver since 2017, and the 98 temporary units at 1580 Vernon Dr. opening this summer.

Additional sites will be announced in the coming months as proposals are confirmed.

Quotes:

Ahmed Hussen, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation -

"Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Our government is a proud partner in this investment for new affordable housing in the City of Vancouver. Our government is committed to providing Canadians with housing that meet their needs, while helping to create good middle-class jobs and stimulate the economy."

George Heyman, MLA for Vancouver-Fairview -

"This housing project will provide stability to some of the most vulnerable people in our community. More than 100 people will have a safe and affordable home, something that all British Columbians deserve."

Mable Elmore, MLA for Vancouver-Kensington -

"There is an urgent need for safe and supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness in the community. We want to make sure everyone has a safe and secure place to call home."

Quick Facts:

• The Province, through the Building BC: Supportive Housing Fund, would fund the capital and operating costs, as well as manage the construction. BC Housing would also apply to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for access to grants, which would contribute to the capital costs.
• Both projects will need to go through the City of Vancouver's rezoning process. Projected costs and housing operators will be determined only if the proposal is approved.
• In addition to the 350 permanent supportive homes, the Province and the city have partnered to expedite the development of 98 temporary modular supportive homes at 1580 Vernon Dr., as previously announced.

Learn More:

Public engagement updates and details about the proposals can be found on BC Housing's Let's Talk Housing pages:
https://letstalkhousingbc.ca/vancouver-west-8
https://letstalkhousingbc.ca/vancouver-king-edward

Contacts:

Ministry of Attorney General and Responsible for Housing
Media Relations
778 678-1572

BC Housing
media@bchousing.org

City of Vancouver
Civic Engagement and Communications
media@vancouver.ca
604 871-6336

Mikaela Harrison
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
mikaela.harrison@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca